Chapter 3: Software Basics

1. Section I: Preparing to Use Technology Chapter 3: Software Basics

2. Learner Objectives • At the completion of study, learners will be able to: • discuss the characteristics and functions of operating system, application, Internet, and assistive software • describe the features of a variety of instructional software categories • evaluate instructional software programs • use teacher utility software programs • examine lessons that use instructional software • explore the accessibility options for students with special needs • discuss the features of assistive “access” software

3. Frameworks: What we know. . . • Considerations for Software Purchases • Compatibility • operating system of computer • speed of processor • HD space • RAM • monitor Documentation • what is offered? where? lesson ideas? worksheets? Price • how is it bundled? is it within the available budget? Licensing • single license, multi-licensing (lab packs), site license

4. Basics: Types of Software • Software is divided into categories depending on its purpose. • Operating System software (OSS) • Application software • Internet software • Instructional (or educational) software •• • Teacher utility software •• • •• indicates software specific to educational environments

5. Basics: Operating System Software • OSS is the master control software system ….serves as a foundation for application software programs.. controls the computer…tells the software what to do. • Installed at the manufacturer. • Contained in ROM memory of CPU. • Specific to the computer platform . . . varies with versions. • Microsoft Windows - XP, 2000, ‘98, NT • Macintosh (Apple) - OS X(ten), OS 9 Classic (not supported on new Apple hardware) • Newest Apple computers have Intel Core (OS 10.4) • Linux

6. Basics: Application Software • Application software performs unique tasks…. • Word processing • Desktop publishing • Database • Spreadsheet • Graphics (photo editing, paint, draw) • Diagrams, Maps & Webs • Presentation (slideshow) • Multimedia authoring • Web Editors

7. Basics: Internet Software • Internet software includes software used to view, communicate, transfer files, and work Internet services. • Web Browsers • Electronic mail (email) • File transfer protocol (FTP) • Media Players • Plugins • Go to Tucows [ tucows.com ] - downloads and reviews for Windows, Mac, or Linux platforms. “Five cows” is the highest rating.

8. Basics: Instructional Software • Includes programs specifically designed to assist student learning through various formats . . . • Drill and practice programs • Simulation programs • Tutorial programs • Instructional games • Problem-solving programs • Reference programs • Integrated Learning Systems (ILS)

9. Basics: Teacher Utility Software • Utility software programs are designed to help teachers with specific tasks. Some are web-based. • Grade Programs • Easy Grade Pro • Grade Quick - grades, attendance, homework, calendars • Task Generators • Rubric generators - Rubistar - create a rubric • Test generators - Hot Potatoes - create a test • Puzzle generators - Puzzlemaker - create a puzzle • Work sheet generators - Worksheet Generator

10. Basics: Assistive Software • Refers to a wide range of productsthataid individuals with disabilities by providing adjustments or adaptations for. . . • accessing the operating system • applications • instructional software • aiding participation in general curriculum content, skills, and activities • Available through • OSS: Operating System Software: Mac OS; Windows • Access software (must be purchased)

11. Operating System: Windows XP Start Menu > All programs > Accessories > Accessibility folder Or Start Menu > Control panel > Accessibility options folder

12. Operating System: Mac OS X • Apple • > System Preferences • > Universal Access • > assistance with hearing, keyboard, mouse

13. Basics: Access Software • Commonly used to access general education curriculum tasks, increasing the learner’s cognitive skills and productivity. • Text to Speech • Word Prediction • Scan and Read • Speech Recognition • Magnification • Screen Readers • Dedicated Assistive Software • Let’s take a closer look at these programs.

14. Access Software: Text to Speech • Text to Speech software reads the text for a learner. • Often referred to as a “talking word processor” • Supports reading, writing, and spelling for emerging struggling readers • Examples include. . . • Intellitools by Intellitools, Inc. • Write: OutLoud by Don Johnston, Inc.

15. Access Software: Word Prediction • Provides support for students with limited keyboard abilities or difficulty with word retrieval skills. • May be used for spelling support. • Word prediction works by suggesting a list of appropriate upcoming words after one or two keystrokes. • Examples include. . . • Co:Writer by Don Johnston, Inc. • Read & Write GOLD by Texthelp Systems, Inc.

16. Access Software: Scan and Read • Works with a scanner to convert books and other print media to digital text using optical character recognition (OCR) software. • Once the text is digitized, it can be highlighted as it is read by the software, saved as text or word processing, or be converted to MP3 format for audio feedback. • Examples: • Kurzweil 3000 • Read & Write GOLD by Texthelp Systems, Inc.

17. Access Software: Speech Recognition • Allows to bypass typing words into the computer. • Transcribes spoken words into a word processor • Upon initial use, the program must be trained to recognize user’s voice • Accuracy depends on having • a quiet location • a high-quality microphone. • Promising for individuals with learning needs BUT • current available versions require competent levels of reading skills for initial software training

18. Access Software: Magnification • Students with severe visual impairments may be assisted by access software with strong magnification power. • Example: • MAGic from Freedom Scientific • User-friendly program • Magnification in the OSS • serves students with mild disabilities • may be adequate for short-term use

19. Access Software: Screen Readers • Screen readers are designed for learners with severely limited vision or blindness • Screen readers can • read text • read dialog boxes • read commands • output to Braille paper printers • Example: • JAWS by Freedom Scientific

20. Access : Dedicated Assistive Software • More severe physical or cognitive disabilities may require dedicated assistive software • Dedicated Assistive Software • combination of software and hardware • designed to work together for specific purposes • Depends on the limitation of the disability • Example: • A student whose physical limitations prevent the use of a mouse, keyboard, or voice • . . . will need alternative input arrangement.

21. Evaluating Instructional Software • It is not always a good idea to rely on descriptions of written by the software manufacturers. • Software Evaluation steps • Determine the purpose of the software (What will it be used for and who is the target audience?) • Identify titles (Identify titles that match your needs - use the online and print sources in the “On the Web” section.) • Complete hands-on reviews(reviews should be completed by both teachers and students.) • Collect and interpret the informationto make a viable decision.

22. Software Evaluation Review • UseSoftware Review Guide to evaluate one or more educational software programs. • Software Review Guide • Provides important research-based criteria which will assist with recommendation • Completesection “comments” to explain ratings. • Justify your overall recommendation based on your review rating. • Hand-in your review. You may work in teams of two if you prefer.

23. Questions????