Software Applications For Education

1. Software ApplicationsFor Education ED205 Computers In Education

2. The Role of the Operating System • Software can be categorized as System Software or Application Software. • System Software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and it’s devices. • There are two main systems: Windows & Mac OS • System Software is the “Interface” between you, your application, and your computer’s hardware. • Each time you start your computer, the system software is loaded into the computers memory

3. The Role of the User Interface The User Interface controls how you enter data or instructions or how information is presented on the screen. The most common interface today is the Graphic User Interface or “GUI” The GUI was introduced by Apple Computers in 1984

4. Application Software • Application Software consists of programs designed to do specific tasks. • An application can be used for the following purposes: • As a productivity/professional tool • Support for school and professional activities • Assisting with graphics and multimedia projects • Helping with home and personal activities • Facilitating communications (email, Internet, etc)

5. Types of Software Support Tools • Productivity tools to explore in ED-205 • Word Processing (MS-Word) • Spreadsheets (MS-Excel) • Presentation Software (MS-PowerPoint) • Multimedia Authoring ( PowerPoint & HyperStudio) • Imaging Software (iPhoto) • Graphical Organizers (Inspiration) • Video Editing Software

6. Other Types of Software Support Tools Materials Generators Data Collection & Analysis Tools Graphics Tools Planning & Organizing Tools Research & Reference Tools Specific Content Area Tools CAD/3-D Modeling Music Synthesizers Scientific equipment Reading Tools The two websites below offer many tools for the classroom teacher www.edhelper.com www.teachernet.com

7. More Tools For The Classroom • Test Generators • Worksheet Generators • Puzzle Generators • Bar Code Generators • Certificate Makers • Form Makers • Gradebooks

8. Word Processing • Advantages • Time Savings • Better Appearance • Sharing • Issues • When to introduce Word Processing • Necessity of keyboarding skills • Effects on handwriting/spelling/grammar • Impact on assessment • Impact on Writing Skills

9. When To Use Word Processing? • Writing Processes • Dynamic Group Products • Individual Writing, Reading, Language exercises • Encouraging Writing Across The Curriculum

10. Spreadsheets • Advantages • Time Savings • Creating Charts • Answering “What If” Questions • Analyzing Data

11. When To Use Spreadsheets? • Teacher Uses • Grade Book • Budgets • Attendance Charts • Assessment Checklists • Student Uses • Demonstrations • Products • Problem Solving

12. Data Bases • Advantages • Reduce Data Redundancy • Time Saving (locating and/or updating data) • Comparing information through searches • Issues • Privacy Issues

13. When To Use Data Bases • Teacher Uses • Inventory/Locating Instructional Resources • Information to plan instruction • Mail Merging • Student Uses • Research & Study Skills • Organizational Skills • Posing/Testing Hypotheses

14. Desktop Publishing • Classroom Applications • Letterheads • Flyers/Posters • Brochures • Newsletters/Magazines • Books/Booklets

15. Presentation Software • Advantages • Time Savings • Better Appearance • More Motivation for students • If projection equipment is not available the software can still be used to produce overheadsor handouts!

16. When to Use Presentation Software • Teacher Uses • Lectures • Overhead Preparation • Handout Preparation • Interactive Presentations • Student Uses • In place of written reports • To present projects

17. Web Authoring • Designed to make webpage creation easy. • Works much the same as a word processor. • HTML code (& other code) is created in the background. • MS-Frontpage, Adobe GoLive, Nvu(free -- built from Netscape and Mozilla code), Dreamweaver (Sean’s choice)

18. Nvu -- html editor -- free http://www.nvu.com/features.php

19. Multimedia Authoring Software • Multimedia Authoring Software is used to create electronic presentations that can include text, graphics, video, audio, and animation. • Teacher Uses: • Interactive Presentations • On-Screen Presentation • Student Uses • In place of written reports • To present projects

20. HyperStudio

21. Imaging Software • Imaging software allows you to manipulate and edit images and photos to create professional looking results. • This software is a must if you are using scanners and digital cameras (e.g., for your photography lab). • I-View is an easy to use “Freeware”program. iPhoto free for Macs.

22. Adobe PhotoShop This is very expensive software, but it’s awesome!

23. Graphical Organizers • Inspiration and Kidspiration are the most popular graphic organizers in K-12 today (you can try it for free on campus computers) • They are used to help students visually organize information, outline material, and plan projects

24. Inspiration/Kidspiration

25. Video Editing Software • This software allows both teachers and students to edit digital video and create professional looking video on tape, disk, or the internet. • iMovie, Windows Moviemaker II, and Pinnacle studio are example of this type of software.