Educational Software : The Tools That Teach
One distinct category of educational software is what is known as tools. There are several classifications of educational software tools, including instructional tools, reference tools, and communication tools. In a sense, all software is designed to be a tool. Here we focus on the tools that teach.
Educational Software : Instructional Tools
These are educational software packages that are enabling for the student toward some particular learning task. More and more frequently, this kind of educational software is applied toward learning how to use professional software. Instructional educational software tools - these kinds of tools are now commonly incorporated within most commonly used professional applications. But third party products also abound, and many are better than the instructional that comes with the product.
Educational Software : Reference Tools
Most modern reference materials are now accessible via educational software tools. Some, like stand-alone encyclopedias, are sold as disks. Some reference tools are available on the internet, either free or subscription based. This kind of educational software is invaluable as a professional resource, and enables important tasks such as fact checking to occur seamlessly. One good example is a spell checker, or online dictionary.
Educational Software : Communication Tools
These are educational software applications that assist in the communication and presentation of ideas. Both educators and students can benefit from tools like PowerPoint, Flash, QuickTime, and many others, to present images and sound. More sophisticated educational software communication tools include web page creators, recording software, voice over internet protocol software, automated spell/grammar checking, etc.
Most computer users are oblivious to the number of educational software tools they use, because they are embedded in the tasks they take for granted. User friendly software almost always means educational software built-in.
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Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Educational Software 1
What is Eductonal Software?
By teaching by means of games, educational soft ware is designed to make learning fun. The approach used in educational software is that of a tutorial in which the learner competes with him or herself. Such software appeals to persons of all ages but particularly to young children, who can learn skills related to reading and arithmetic. Older children and adults can learn or improve on a wide variety of more mature skills.
Tips for using Educational Software to Help Students with Learning Difficulties
Make sessions short (about 15 minutes) and often 4-5 times per week at least.
Don’t have too many programs being worked on at the same time.
To get the most out of a program, only learn about and introduce one new program at a time, and explore it thoroughly. Many people miss useful features by not exploring. For example open and view the CD-ROM’s content – there may be some helpful text files, word lists, etc., that you can use.)
Set up a regular time & system for students to use the software. Try to correlate this with their best learning time. (e.g. ‘Are they a morning person or a night person?’ )
Put your own reward system in place to reinforce any system the program uses (e.g. ‘So many points equals a football card or whatever enticement works at your house.’)
Try to link the program to school work if possible.
If using a spelling program, such as ‘Word Wizard’, try reinforcing the work by having students write the words, or type in a talking word processor when they have finished using the program.
If using programs like ‘Reading Works’ or ‘Angus McIntyre’ have students read the
passage off screen to reinforce what they have learnt while on the computer.
Some programs like ‘Dingo Bingo’ often work better with a short burst of concerted
effort and a competition between a number of students (e.g. 3 weeks x 15 minutes per
day) to see who can get the furthest. Who can get the fastest time, etc?
In classrooms, a rolling roster can work well with each student tapping the next on the list to have their turn at programs like ‘Word Wizard’, ‘Dingo Bingo’, etc.
The first typing game in ‘Word Wizard’ is great for improving keyboard skills. How fast can you type the alphabet? How many fingers on each hand can you type with?
Ask yourself which programs work best with students unsupervised, and which are
better with some help. ‘Reading Works’, ‘Phonics First’ and ‘Reading Freedom’ all work much more effectively with some supervision and are great resources for untrained people, such as school assistants and parents, to help students in the classroom or at home.
About Sheppards Educaional Software
Sheppards educational software is geared towards using instructional material designed to enhanceunderstanding of basic subject areas through he use of visualization. It is a free online program where teachers can download games for the benefit of their student's learning. There is a variety of games in different areas of study, for example, science, vocabulary and mathematics, which is geared towards the better development of children.
Just click on the title 'Educational Technology 1' and you will be taken to the website that has these games.
Benefits
Educational software is a great way to learn whilst having fun. It also allows you to move at your own pace, returning to modules or areas you did not understand fully without the pressure of face-to-face contact with a teacher or other faster-moving pupils. This is why it is fast becoming the favoured method of teaching.
If you are a parent you may be looking into the possibility of purchasing some educational software or learning games for your kids. There are a few positives to using such software – it allows your children to become accustomed to using a computer without them having access to nasty computer games or adult internet content. They enjoy playing the games which are tailor made for the short attention spans of children, and you get a few hours of peace and quiet! Using educational software in partnership with school classes is another way to ensure that your child has a thorough understanding of the lessons they are being taught. If it seems that they are struggling with mathematics or English, there are programs which deal just in these areas.
By teaching by means of games, educational soft ware is designed to make learning fun. The approach used in educational software is that of a tutorial in which the learner competes with him or herself. Such software appeals to persons of all ages but particularly to young children, who can learn skills related to reading and arithmetic. Older children and adults can learn or improve on a wide variety of more mature skills.
Tips for using Educational Software to Help Students with Learning Difficulties
Make sessions short (about 15 minutes) and often 4-5 times per week at least.
Don’t have too many programs being worked on at the same time.
To get the most out of a program, only learn about and introduce one new program at a time, and explore it thoroughly. Many people miss useful features by not exploring. For example open and view the CD-ROM’s content – there may be some helpful text files, word lists, etc., that you can use.)
Set up a regular time & system for students to use the software. Try to correlate this with their best learning time. (e.g. ‘Are they a morning person or a night person?’ )
Put your own reward system in place to reinforce any system the program uses (e.g. ‘So many points equals a football card or whatever enticement works at your house.’)
Try to link the program to school work if possible.
If using a spelling program, such as ‘Word Wizard’, try reinforcing the work by having students write the words, or type in a talking word processor when they have finished using the program.
If using programs like ‘Reading Works’ or ‘Angus McIntyre’ have students read the
passage off screen to reinforce what they have learnt while on the computer.
Some programs like ‘Dingo Bingo’ often work better with a short burst of concerted
effort and a competition between a number of students (e.g. 3 weeks x 15 minutes per
day) to see who can get the furthest. Who can get the fastest time, etc?
In classrooms, a rolling roster can work well with each student tapping the next on the list to have their turn at programs like ‘Word Wizard’, ‘Dingo Bingo’, etc.
The first typing game in ‘Word Wizard’ is great for improving keyboard skills. How fast can you type the alphabet? How many fingers on each hand can you type with?
Ask yourself which programs work best with students unsupervised, and which are
better with some help. ‘Reading Works’, ‘Phonics First’ and ‘Reading Freedom’ all work much more effectively with some supervision and are great resources for untrained people, such as school assistants and parents, to help students in the classroom or at home.
About Sheppards Educaional Software
Sheppards educational software is geared towards using instructional material designed to enhanceunderstanding of basic subject areas through he use of visualization. It is a free online program where teachers can download games for the benefit of their student's learning. There is a variety of games in different areas of study, for example, science, vocabulary and mathematics, which is geared towards the better development of children.
Just click on the title 'Educational Technology 1' and you will be taken to the website that has these games.
Benefits
Educational software is a great way to learn whilst having fun. It also allows you to move at your own pace, returning to modules or areas you did not understand fully without the pressure of face-to-face contact with a teacher or other faster-moving pupils. This is why it is fast becoming the favoured method of teaching.
If you are a parent you may be looking into the possibility of purchasing some educational software or learning games for your kids. There are a few positives to using such software – it allows your children to become accustomed to using a computer without them having access to nasty computer games or adult internet content. They enjoy playing the games which are tailor made for the short attention spans of children, and you get a few hours of peace and quiet! Using educational software in partnership with school classes is another way to ensure that your child has a thorough understanding of the lessons they are being taught. If it seems that they are struggling with mathematics or English, there are programs which deal just in these areas.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Ed Tech Class
So far, we have had two Ed Tech classes. This class was enjoyed by everyone and it also holds the interest of the entire class. It allows you to use the method of trial and error to solve whatever problems you may encounter in this area. Click on the title and you will find additional information about what educational technology is about.
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