As an Educational Resource

The Software

Software is any set of machine-readable instructions (most often in the form of a computer program) that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations.

TWO KINDS OF SOFTWARE:1. The system software - This is 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 APPLICATION SOFTWARE MAY BE:

(a) A custom software - that is made for specific task often by large corporations.

(b) A commercial software - packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of task such as:

Writing papersCalculating numbersDrawing graphsPlaying games and so much more

Microsoft Windows

Also referred to as a program, Microsoft Windows or Windows for short is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS Uses a colorful graphics interface (called GUI).

Icons Menus

Windows 95 (now improved with Windows 2003, 2007) is a software designed for Microsoft Windows.

It 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; adapts/configures the computer for the Internet.

Plug and play—configures the computer with added components, such as for sound and video.

Instructional Softwarecomputer software used for the primary purpose of teaching and self-instruction.

Drill and practiceTutorialSimulationInstructional gamesProblem-solving

GUIDELINES1. Be extremely cautious in using

CBIs and ‘free’ Internet materials.

2. Don’t be caught up by attractive graphics, sound ,animation, pictures, video clips and music forgetting their instructional worth.

3. Teachers must evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles.

4. Among design and content elements to evaluate are: 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)

5. Observe clarity in the explanations and illustrations of concepts and principles

6. Maintain accuracy, coherence, logic of information

7. Are they being current since data/statistics continually change

8. Are they relevant and effective in attaining learning objectives

9. Observe absence of biased materials (e.g. gender bias or racial bias)

Prepared by: Padro , Joy Clearth Papa , Lanie Lumakin , Roalene