Lesson 14

The Software as an Educational Resource

Whenever people think about computers, they are most likely thinking about the computer machine such as the television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, and the computer housing called “the box” which contains the electronics parts and circuits (the central processing unit) that receives/ stores data and direct computer operations. The computer machine or hardware is naturally an attention-getter.

It’s more difficult to realize, however, that the computer hardware can hardly be useful without the program or system that tells what the computer machine should do. This is also called the software.

There are two kinds if software:

1. The system software. at his is the operating system that is found or bundle inside all computer machines
2. The applications software. This contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem.

In turn the applications software may be:

1. a custom software that is made for specific task often by large corporation, or
2. a commercial software packages for personal computers that helps with variety of task such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games, and so much moire.

Microsoft Windows

Also referred to as a program, Microsoft Windows or Windows for shot is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. All called a shell, it is slayer that creates the way the computer should work. Windows uses a colorful graphics interface (called GUI- pronounce “gooee”) that can vbeseen on the computer screen and monitor whenever the computer is turn on.

The her can work in on-screen pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to arrive at the desired software. Windows 95 (now improve with Windows 2003,2007) is a software designed for Microsoft Windows.Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operatingsystemwhich provides :

• User convenience – just click on the file name to retrieve data or click from program to program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen
• A new look- fancy boraders , smooth and streamlined text fonts
• Information center- Windows put all communications activities (e-mail, download etc. in a single screen icon); adapts/configures the computer for the internet .
• Plug and play- configure the computer with added components, such as for sound and video.

Instructional Software

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. But beware since CBIs need much improvement, while web-based educational resources are either extremely good or what is complete garbage. In evaluating computer-based educational materials, the following can serve as guidelines:

• 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 wort
•  Teachers must evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles.
• 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 to drill-and-practice section).
•  Observe clarity in the explanations and illustrations of concepts and principles.
• Maintain  accuracy, coherence, logic of information
• Are they being current since data/statistics continually change.
•  Are they relevant and effective in attaining learning objectives.
• Observe absence of biased materials (e.g. gender bias or racial bias).
  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.

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.