EDUC 7215X

K-12 Educational Software Applications

• An educational software is used to support teaching and learning of subject related content.• Interactive multimedia applications enrich

the learning process by providing individualized instruction and explorations

Computer Assisted Instruction

• Software designed to help teach facts, information and or skills associated with subject-related materials

• Other names:• CBI-Computer-based instruction• CAL-Computer-aided learning

Drill & Practice Software

• Software that first supplies factual information and then through repetitive exercises allows students to continue work on the specific materials to remember the information/skills• Effective for learning basic skills and

remediation• Another name:• Skills-reinforcement software

Educational Games

• Majority of educational games available as CD-Roms or DVD-Roms and on the Web• Usually has a set of rules and students can

compete against other students or the game itself.• Carmen Sandiego- students chase Carmen

Sandiego around the world while learning geography, cultures, astronomy, music and history.

Tutorials

• Teaching program designed to help individuals learn how to use a product or concept.• Many software products contain built-in

tutorials to teach you how to use the software.

Educational Computer Simulations

• Computerized model of real life that represents a physical or simulated process. • Offer learners the opportunity to

manipulate variable that affect the outcomes of the experience

Simulations

• SimCity, Sim Theme Park & Sim Coaster let students design, interact and provide more accurate explanations and examples of real life.• SimCity is very popular in education.• Science Court- students have to make real

world decisions

Applications for Students with Disabilities – Assistive Technology

• Educational software offers unique advantage to students with physical impairments and learning disabilities

• Visually impaired students benefit from the audio capabilities of multimedia applications as well as the use of graphics and large font sizes.

• Hearing impaired students benefit from graphics, animation and videos.

• Many software companies also offer closed captioning or sign language.

Educational Software

• Creativity Software• Allows students to start with a blank canvas

or templates and use their imaginations and ingenuity using the tools provided• Examples: Microsoft Office, Hyperstudio,

Inspiration, Kidspiration, Photoshop, Kid Pix, Storybook Weaver, Adobe Photo Elements

Critical Thinking Software

• Applications that stimulate students to use critical thinking skills in a variety of ways.• Students are often presented with a problem

and a variety of ways to solve the problem.• Examples: Carmen Sandiego Series, Super

Solvers Mission T.H.I.N.K., GeoSafari Series, Zoombini

Early Learning Software

• Designed to provide students in grades K-3 with a development head start in reading, language arts, math, science and other curriculum areas.• Examples: Kidspiration, Millie’s Math

House, Living Books Library, Sammy’s Science House, Jump Start Series, Reader Rabbit’s Reading

ESL/Foreign Language

• Provide K-12 students with assistance in learning English and other languages.• Enable students to practice their skills in a

non-threatening environment• Examples: English Express Deluxe, The

Heartsoft BestSellers ESl Version

Language Arts Software

• Available for all grades and supports student learning throughout the reading and writing process.• Examples: Reading Blaster, mPOwer,

Cornerstone Reading, Orchard Reading

Math & Science Software

• Math applications help students master basic and complex mathematics for all level.• Science applications assist students in

learning a wide variety of science concepts.• Multimedia science applications can assist in

mastering difficult or abstract concepts by providing a visual representation

Math & Science Software

• Math: Math Advantage Series, Geometer Sketchpad, Math Blaster, Math Workshop Deluxe, Mighty Math, Tessallation Exploration, Mastering Algebra, Cornerstone Math• Science: Thinkin’ Science, The Ultimate

Human Body, GeoSafari, Science Court

Social Studies Software

• Encourages higher-order thinking skills, provide reinforcement of facts and allow students to define their own path.• History of the World, Oregon Trail,

Timeliner, American History Series

Software Evaluation

• Evaluate for appropriateness• Review the accuracy of the content for its validity-

most important area• Consider its relevance to the curriculum standards and

goals• Consider the technical support and documentation the

software offers• Look at the ability or academic level• How well does it present itself and how well it works-

user-friendliness• Obtain student feedback