Chapter 6Academic Software

Michelle Ingram

ETEC 562

Academic Software

• Assists and supports teaching and learning

• Review and select carefully

Authoring Systems

• Creates customized software to fit students’ needs

• 2 Types:

1. Hypermedia Authoring Systems

2. Web Authoring Systems

Hypermedia Authoring System

• Students make “hyperjumps” in the content

• Resembles the way people think

• Reaches and engages learners

Web Authoring Systems

• Translates input into HTML

• Creates web pages

• Students click on hyperlinks for information

Desktop Publishing

• Produces professional looking hard-copy materials

• Expert computer skills are not needed

• Useful for teachers and students

Graphics Software

• Creates, edits, or enhances digital images

• Uses Clip Art Libraries • 3 Types:1. Paint and Draw Software2. Imaging Software3. Editing Software

Graphic Software

Reference Software

• Digital versions of reference materials

• Interactive • Usually on CD

Tutorials and Drill-and-Practice Software

• 2 Types of Tutorials:

1. Linear

2. Use a hypermedia approach

• Drill and Practice or

“Drill-and-Kill”

Educational Games

• Presents and reviews material in a game format

• Instructional element must be evident

• Several categories

Simulations

• Situation is presented in virtual format

• Discovery learning

• Simulation interacts to learners

Special Needs Software

• Designed for learners with physical or learning impairments

• QuickLink-Pen Elite

Other Academic Software

• Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)

• uses computer to tutor or review content

• Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI)

• software that manages instruction and keeps track of student progress

Academic Software Evaluation Rubric

• Use this rubric to evaluate software

• Use rubric before purchasing software