THE SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Software

Ø  is a program that a computer uses to perform  tasks.

Two Kinds of Software

1). Systems Software

2). The Application Software

Two Kinds of Software

1). Systems Software - This is the operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines.

2). The Applications Software - This contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem.

The applications software may be:

a).  A Custom Software - is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or

 b). A Commercial Software - packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games and so much more.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS

Microsoft

Ø  Computer Software Company.

Windows

Ø  any of several microcomputer operating systems or environments featuring a graphic user interface.

Microsoft Windows

Ø  program

Ø  Microsoft Windows/ Windows

Ø  Shell

GUI

Ø  Graphic User Interface.

Windows Versions:

Windows 1.0, the first version, released in 1985

Windows 95, released in August 1995

Windows 3.0, released in 1990

The latest stable Windows release, Windows 7

Future of Windows

The Start Screen of Windows 8 RTM .

Windows is in itself a self- contained operating system which provides:

v  User Convenience - just click a file name to retrieve data or click from program to program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen

v  A New Look - fancy borders, smooth and streamlined text fonts.

v  Information Center - Windows puts all communications activities ( e – mail, downloads etc. in a single screen icon ); adapts/configures the computer for the Internet.

v  Plug and Play - configures the computer with added components, such as for sound or video.

INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Ø    can be visited in Internet or can be bought from software shops.

Ø  decide on the best computer- based instructional materials.

Guidelines in Evaluating Computer- Based Educational Materials

•       Be extremely cautious in using CBIs and ‘free’ Internet materials

•       Don’t be caught up by attractive graphics, sound, animation, pictures, video clips and music forgetting their instructional worth

•       Teachers must evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles

•       Among design and content elements to evaluate are:  

Ø  text legibility

Ø  effective use of color schemes

Ø  attractive layout and design

Ø  easy navigation from section-to-section

•                               Clarity in the explanations and illustrations of concepts and principles

•       Accuracy, coherence, logic of information

•       Their being current since data/statistics continually change

•       Relevance/effectiveness in attaining learning objectives

•       Absence of biased materials