Lesson 14: The Software as an Educational Resource

There are two kinds of software: the system software—where it is the operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines and the application software—where it contains the system that commands the particular task or solve a particular problem. Application software can be: custom software that is made for specific task often by large corporations or commercial software packed for a personal computer that helps with the variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games and much more.

Microsoft Windows

        It is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. It is also called as a shell; it is a layer that creates the way the computer should work. Windows uses a colorful graphics interphase called GUI that can be seen in the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on. The user can work with on screen pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to derive at the desired software. Windows 95 is software designed for Microsoft Windows. Windows is a self-contained operating system which provides the following: user convenience, new look, information center, plug and play.

Instructional Software

        It can be visited on the internet or can be bought from software shops or dealers. 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 worth, teachers must evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles, the text legibility, effective use of color schemes, attractive layout and design, and easy navigation from section-to-section are also must be evaluated, observe clarity in the explanations and illustrations  of concepts and principles, maintain accuracy, coherence, logic information, being current since data/statistics continually change relevant and effective in attaining learning objectives absence of biased materials (gender, racial).

As a future educator, I must really develop such critical and evaluative mind if I wish to use instructional software. Since it is very obvious that in the near future, there will be a lot more software applications that will come out which would be very helpful in the teaching and learning process. But as a future teacher, it is our role to evaluate it and consider a lot of aspects before implementing that kind of software in our instruction. I must also consider if it will be helpful in achieving the learning objectives and if it is appropriate to the lesson being discussed.