Educational+Software

Educational software helps teachers and students in any learning environment maximize the power of the computer. Hundreds of educational software titles are available, but not all are suitable for school use. Most educational software can be divided into two categories. // Content-free software // is the more flexible of the two categories. It allows teachers and students to create their own content, such as word-processing and graphics programs, that support the user’s creativity. Table 8 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to open-ended software. || ** Suggested Software Type ** ||
 * Table 8. Content-Free Software Tasks and Software **
 * ** Task **
 * Writing || Word-processing or desktop-publishing program (e.g., Word, Textease) ||
 * Writing a musical score || Score-arranging software (e.g., Sibelius) ||
 * Editing a digital photograph || Image-editing software (e.g., PhotoShop) ||
 * Brainstorming, essay planning || Concept-mapping software (e.g., Inspiration) ||

// Content-rich software // typically comprises multimedia content (e.g., graphics, video, sound, animation) presented in a very structured way. Content-rich software ranges from teaching basic number concepts and explaining complex mathematical equations to analyzing strategic military movements during World War II. Table 9 lists a series of tasks that could be adapted to content-rich software. || ** Suggested Software Type ** ||
 * Table 9. Content-Rich Software Tasks and Software **
 * ** Task **
 * Reinforcing basic number concepts || Drill-and-practice mathematics program (e.g., Millie's Math House) ||
 * Exploring electrical concepts || Science simulation program (e.g., Exploring Science) ||
 * Retrieving information || Multimedia encyclopedia (e.g., Encarta) ||