Software

From commonly used productivity tools to the most complex modeling and graphics applications, software is what makes computer hardware useful. Two major types of software, or computer programs, are of interest here, operating systems and applications. Operating systems are programs that coordinate all the hardware components such as memory, disks, and display, and make them operate as a unified system. The major examples are Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh OS.

Application software comes in many types. While there are many highly specialized software packages, such as those addressing specific functions, occupations, recreation, or other needs, the most widely recognized programs in general use can be organized into the following categories:

Productivity: These include word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs. These support many different functions of creating documents, storing and sorting information of both numeric and text forms, and displaying information in useful ways. Web browsers and search engines are the latest forms of software that support general user needs.

Communications and Collaboration: In this category are programs that facilitate interaction between individuals or groups instantly or over time. Such programs may send and receive and display video and sound, and share and edit text documents. Some programs are designed for specific types of interactions, such as conducting discussions or teaching classes. Electronic mail and chat programs are included here, as well as VOIP (voice over Internet protocol).

Publishing: This type of software supports the creation of professional quality materials combining text, graphics and photos typically published as magazines, books and brochures. Publishing may also take the form of slide shows, films, and other kinds of presentations.

Students can make use of all these types in reaching lifetime goals. They can learn to use software tools that they are likely to use in further education and vocations, and the specific tools of a discipline such as physics or a profession such as medicine. They can learn to use software to enhance their own creative or organizational talents, and software that helps them learn from distant sources of instruction and information.

Most software is now developed and sold commercially, and the code is proprietary to the developer. Of growing importance is Open Source software, which is developed and provided to users free or inexpensively, in a manner that allows the user access to the program code, and which operates on any hardware platform. Prominent in this category is Linux, an operating system, but application software of this type is also available.

Key research Findings

• Technology applications that enable student collaboration tend to result in improved achievement. They provide realistic, complex environments by furnishing investigative tools and data resources, and linking classrooms for joint investigations (Means & Olson, 1997).


• Sophisticated interactive software creates opportunities for students to learn by doing, receive feedback, continually refine their understanding, and build and represent new knowledge (Barron et al., 1998).


• Integration of technology with curriculum increases student achievement. Significant student achievement gains for technology integrated with standards were demonstrated by an eight-year longitudinal study of SAT-I performance at New Hampshire's Brewster Academy (Bain & Ross, 2000).


• Educational researchers and practitioners agree that the potential of new technologies for learning is found not in the technologies themselves, but in the way these technologies are used as tools for learning (Owsten, 1997; Valdez & McNabb, 1999).


• Much of the software available can be used to improve thinking skills. Visualization tools enable users to discern patterns and detect relationships (Brodie et al., 1992; Kaufmann & Smarr, 1993).


• Well-planned use of computer-assisted or computer-mediated instruction may support a greater rate of student learning than for those without access to such technology (Schacter, 1999).


• Technology does affect academic achievement, but is dependent on how the technology is used. Grade-appropriate use of computers is more important in producing increased learning than the amount of time computers are used. Asking students to apply higher order concepts is associated with significant learning gains (Wenglinsky, 1998).

Implementation

To use software well, define your needs based on the learning outcomes you plan for your students. Here are strategies to make software use more effective.

1. Learn what's available. Familiarize yourself with the software available in your school. Many classroom computers include a wide selection of production tools, from word processing to more specialized applications.


2. Take advantage of the power of the Internet browser. New browsers have more power and new functionality like spellchecking, saving images into a scrapbook, and increased security.


3. Seek out open source solutions. The open source community is not only working on stable operating systems like Linux but also develops many applications you can download and use for free. These can help you to be more productive and efficient.


4. Use what your students use. Students are often at the cutting edge of technology use. From using instant messaging to new productivity applications, they can be allies in identifying efficient tools.

Additional Resources

enGauge is a resource for educators using technology provided on the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory Web site. http://www.ncrel.org/engauge/

The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory Web site published a resource that helps teachers select and use software. http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/thepoint/soft.htm

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed standards for the use of technology in education. http://www.iste.org/

The Impact of Technology on Learning: Making Sense of the Research published in 1999 by the Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning. http://www.mcrel.org/PDFConversion/PolicyBriefs/PB_ImpactTechnology.html

Firefox is a free, high-quality browser and runs on any platform. It has a number of built-in security features that cut down on spy-ware, viruses, and pop-ups. It also has extensions you can install to enhance its capabilities. http://www.mozilla.org

For more information on open source software in education, visit Open Options provided by the Northwest Educational Technology Consortium (NETC). http://www.netc.org/openoptions/

The Open Source Initiative is a clearinghouse for more information on a wide variety of open source software. http://www.opensource.org/