THE SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE Prepared by: SHERRYLYN M. HUBILLA

1. THE SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE Prepared by: SHERRYLYN M. HUBILLA

2. SOFTWARE • The program or system that tells what the computer machine should do • A collection of computer programs and related data that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it • Refers to one or more computer programs & data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes

3. 2 KINDS OF SOFTWARE • Systems Software • Applications Software • The operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines E.g. : Operating System like Windows XP/7/8, Vista, Linux, etc.

4. 2 KINDS OF SOFTWARE Applications Software • Contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem • This may be: • a custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or • 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.

5. MICROSOFT WINDOWS • Also referred to as a program, Windows for short is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. • Also called a shell, it is a layer that creates the way the computer should work. E.g. Autocad, Photoshop, MS Office and other add on • GUI (“gooee”) colorful graphics interface used in Windows that can be seen on the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on

6. MICROSOFT WINDOWS • Is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides: • User convenience – just click a filename to retrieve data or click from program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen • A new look – fancy borders, smooth and streamlined texts • Information center – Windows puts all communications activities (e-mail, downloads etc. in a single screen icon); adapts/configures the computer for the internet. • Plug and play – configures the computer with added components, such as for sound and video

7. INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE • Can be visited on the Internet or can be bought from software shops or dealers. • The teacher through his school should decide on the best computer-based instructional (CBI) materials for the school resource collection.

8. INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE • Guidelines in the evaluation of computer-based educational materials: • Be extremely cautious in using CBI’s 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

9. INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE • Among design and content elements to evaluate are: the text legibility, effective use of color schemes, attractive layout and design, and easy navigation from section-to-section (such as from game to tutorial drill-and-practice 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 (e.g. gender bias or racial bias)

10. Types of Instructional Software Dr. AlaaSadik Instructional & Learning Technologies Department www.alaasadik.net alaasadik@gmail.com

11. Instructional Software: A Taxonomy Applications Drill-and-Practice Tutorials Simulation Instructional Games Problem-Solving Multimedia Teacher Utilities

12. Types of Instructional Software • 1. Applications • Definition • A group of applications programs that is designed to automate general-purpose and specific tasks such as word processing, database management, spreadsheet, attendance, accounting, grade reporting, scheduling and others. • Features • acquire knowledge and insight about content and processes. • enhance problem-solving and thinking skills. • enhance students’ technical skills. • enhance student’s personal productivity.

13. Types of Instructional Software Example MS Excel Excel one of the most popular spreadsheet programs that can be used to teach management processes and enhance problem-solving and thinking skills in mathematics and science.

14. Types of Instructional Software • 2. Drill and Practice • Definition • Drill and practice software provides exercises in which students work example items one at a time and receive feedback on their correctness. • Features • Reinforce instruction by providing the repetition necessary to move acquired skills and concepts into long-term memory. • Capture and retain the attention of students. • Save teachers’ time and efforts. • Personalize instruction by meeting individual differences among learners.

15. Types of Instructional Software • Example 1 • ECS Keyboard • Enables students to: • Play notes on the keyboard after seeing them written. • Identify played notes by assessing intervals from played/written notes • Playback written notes quickly.

16. Types of Instructional Software Example 2 Master the Facts Multiplication: This program was created in response to teachers to use in their classrooms to teach multiplication. Students using Master the Facts Multiplication for as little as ten minutes a day to practice multiplication skills may demonstrate marked improvement in multiplication skills on quizzes and tests..

17. Types of Instructional Software • 3. Tutorials • Definition • A tutorial exposes the learner to material that is believed not to have been previously taught or learned. A tutorial often includes pre-test, post test and drill and practice activities. • Features • Follow linear programmed instruction or branching design. • Encourage students to interact, control and response to the program. • Guide the learner throughout learning from the beginning (objectives) to the end (evaluation). • Have computer-management capabilities (e.g. data collection).

18. Types of Instructional Software • Example 1 • Auslan Sign Tutorial • This system provides an easy-to-use and interactive tutorial for learning the basics in communicating in the Australian Sign Language (Auslan). • 3D model for signing. • 3D model shows emotion. • Numbers Mode. • Over 60 sign phrases to learn. • Random Quiz tests.

19. Types of Instructional Software Example 2 Food Hygiene This tutorial is designed to teach students at a school of medicine a complete course on food hygiene which concerns food and the prevention of illness and maintenance of health. Uses well-prepared text supported by pictures, audio and video clips.

20. Types of Instructional Software • 4. Simulations • Definition • A simulation is a computerized model of real or imagined system designed to teach how a system works and allows learners to create their own sequence for using simulation. • Features • Involve students into learning process. • Compress time or slow down processes. • Save money and resources. • Make experimentation safe. • Make impossible situations possible and controllable. • Let student repeat events as many times as they want.

21. Types of Instructional Software Example 1 Infinite Physics Simulator Infinite physics simulator has a large collection of objects useful for optics simulation including mirrors, prisms, lenses and other transparent objects.

22. Types of Instructional Software Example 2 Curvilinear Friendly design, users do not need to get trained to operate these tools. Using buttons, textboxes and slide bars learners can run or stop the experiment and change the parameters of the phenomena.

23. Types of Instructional Software • 5. Instructional Games • Definition • Instructional games are courseware designed to motivate learning by adding game rules to learning activities. • Features • Make learning fun and motivating (Edutainment). • Motivate learners via the challenge of competition. • Engage the learner in a situation where the learner is competing for a high score. • Include elements of adventure and uncertainty. • Provide different levels of complexity that match player’s ability.

24. Types of Instructional Software Example 1 Save the Math Apples Help the monkey save the apples! Click on the basket with the number to give the answer. Keep clicking the basket to add numbers to your answer.

25. Types of Instructional Software Example 2 Jungle Jim and the Donga Dinga Drums This interactive game encourages kids to play with numbers and multiplication concept and win points as long as he/she hits the right number.

26. Types of Instructional Software • 6. Problem-Solving • Definition • Problem-solving software is a type of content-free orcontent-basedprograms that places emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, logic and reasoning via the presentation of set of data or problematic event. • Features • Stress thinking processes rather than correct answers. • Expose students to a series of activities that would help teach the desired skills. • Help students work together in small teams. • Give students opportunities to see how information applies to actual problems. • Vary the amount of direction and assistance depending on the each student’s needs.

27. Types of Instructional Software Example 1 StressAlyzer This program provides students with many problems in Mechanics of Materials to solve. Students get immediate feedback on whether they solve each problem correctly, and they are offered randomly generated versions of similar problems until they can be solved correctly.

28. Types of Instructional Software Example 2 MS Excel Excel one of the most popular spreadsheet programs that can be used to teach management processes and enhance problem-solving and thinking skills in mathematics and science.

29. Types of Instructional Software • 7. Multimedia • Definition • Programs that support the interactive use of text, audio, still images, video and graphics and manipulate them to support learning. • Features • Enhance text only presentations by adding interesting sounds and compelling visuals. • Engage a variety of learning modalities (visual, auditory and possibly kinesthetic) which can appeal to various learner styles simultaneously. • Allow development of more engaging, persuasive presentations. • Focus practice of skills that support transfer of learning.

30. Types of Instructional Software Example 1 Scholar’s Desktop. This program provides a series of modules for teaching, using a combination of media. Students can visit many museums around the world and explore many environments as they visit it.

31. Types of Instructional Software Example MS Photo Story This authoring tool allows students to create their own digital stories using text, audio and pictures and export their projects into a digital movie.

32. Types of Instructional Software • 8. Teacher Utilities • Definition • Non-instructional or administrative programs used to prepare instructional materials or organize, store, evaluate and report information on pupils’ achievement and progress. • Features • Based on the principle of database management. • Manipulate classroom and examination data. • Permit the teacher to have untold amounts of information. • Reduce the amount of repetitive paper work. • Create and maintain lesson plans. • Create and print a school calendar.

33. Types of Instructional Software Example: HeadMaster 2007 [www.acstechnologies.com/headmaster] Example Head Master Specifically designed for teachers. HeadMaster can handle grading, reporting, and scheduling. From administration to accounting to registrar duties, HeadMaster's flexible, customizable interface provides a complete solution for your school's office.

34. Thank Y u!