Lesson 14: The Software as an Educational Resource

the computer machine such as the television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer which produces copies of text-and-graphics material, and the computer housing called “the box” which contains the electronic 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 called software.

There are two kinds of software:

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

In turn the applications software may be:

(a) A custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or
(b) A commercial software packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games, and so much more.

Microsoft Windows

  Also referred to as program, Microsoft Windows or Windows for short is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. Also called a shell, it is a layer that creates the way the computer should work. Windows uses a colorful graphics interface (called GUI – pronounced “gooee”) that can be seen on the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on.
 The user can work with on-screen pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to arrive at the desired software. Windows 95 (now improved with Windows 2003 and 2007) is software designed for Microsoft Windows. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides

· User convenience – just click a file name to retrieve data or click from program to program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen
· A new look – fancy borders, smooth and streamlined text fonts
· Information center – Windows puts all communications activities (e-mail, downloads etc. in a single screen icon); adapts/configures the computer for the Internet.
· Plug and play – configures 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 worth
· 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)
· Clarity in the explanations and illustrations of concepts and principles
· Accuracy, coherence, logic of information
· Their being current since data/statistics continually change
· Relevance/effectiveness in attaining learning objectives
· Absence of biased materials (e.g. gender bias or racial bias)

Experience

In my highschool life I dont know how to search on the internet and the only way that I can get information in using computer is by the software encarta. As far as i can renember everything that I searched from the encarta will come out. Its because topics in highschool are basics so surely it will come out.

reflection
The PC has made ready for learning in another light. It has given human race a ton of favorable circumstances from the time it has been developed. Presently the PC has been utilized generally and ideally as a part of instructive settings. The vast majority of the instructive materials utilized by the instructors these days are electronic programming projects. It is appealing with bright design, sounds and features; so getting that you truly need to download it.

The feeling of patriotism among us has gradually blurred away as a result of PC. Youngsters and youthful grown-ups don't discover it amusing to play customary diversions like tumbang preso, luksong-tinik and so on. A large portion of us are enamored with playing web recreations like Farmville, cityville and more or download diversions from the web like Plants versus Zombies. Yet, in such an extensive amount these, it has truly change lives of individuals and gives us the acknowledgment that man is truly smart and clever.

application
In the utilization of current IT as a learning's piece handle, the instructor must have or has gained the required abilities to assess the best equipment and programming to introduce in the school. What can easily be seen and acknowledged is the PC itself, its configuration, memory limit, feature card, screen/screen and other unmistakable qualities. Notwithstanding, in addition critical is the product. The decision of material or system to be introduced as the primary working framework which understudies can use as a wellspring of data, and an instrument for fulfilling assignments, gathering work or ventures. Terms, for example, windows, programs, illustrations, download, web and other related innovative words ought to be an educators' piece vocabulary and appreciation. What ought to be first however on the decision of programming to utilize is that it ought to be present or upgraded and has a wide extent of instructive assets for understudies to tap or utilization.