Computer Software in Today

1
Computer Software in Todays Classrooms

• Chapter 4

2
Five Types of Software Categories

• Productivity
• Research
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Educational Software

3
Productivity Software

• Used to produce or create a variety of artifacts
  or products.
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation Software
• Database
• Graphic Organizers- Inspiration or Kidspiration
• Graphics Software- Clip art, animations, etc.
• Digital Audio Editing- Audacity (program used to
  edit and record audio)
• Digital Video Editing- Windows Movie Maker (video
  editing software)
• Multimedia Authoring Software- Hyperstudio
  (combines video, audio, animation and graphics)

4
Research Software

• Mainly referring to online research
• Browsers- Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator
  etc. (initial Internet Access begins here)
• Search Engines- Google, Ask, Yahoo, etc. (used
  within a browser)
• Plug Ins- Acrobat Reader (may be needed to access
  some files located during your Internet search)

5
Communication Software

• Asynchronous- Not real time (includes email,
  discussion boards, blogs, wikis and podcasts)
• Synchronous- Real time (includes chats and
  instant messaging)

6
Problem-Solving Software

• Usually real-world like problem solving programs
• Games- Math Blasters, etc.
• Simulations- digital simulations that enable
  students to investigate objects, systems, ideas,
  and concepts that are often difficult or
  impossible to explore in real life (virtual
  dissections).

7
Educational Software

• Designed to educate or teach users
• Drill and practice- designed to reinforce basic
  skills.
• Tutorials- presents learners with new content and
  provides practice and feedback on the content.
• Integrated Learning Systems- provides a
  comprehensive learning environment that includes
  instructional content, practice and feedback, and
  assessments for students and lesson plans for
  teachers.
• Process Tools- provide questions and prompting to
  guide students through specific steps required to
  complete a process .
• Testing Software- Accelerated Reader (helps
  prepare students for standardized tests.