Lesson 14: The software as an Educational

Resource
The software as an Educational Resource
Whenever people think about computers, they are most likely thinking about the computer machine
such as the television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer which produces copies of
text-and-graphic material, and the computer housing called the box which contains the electronic parts
and circuits (the central processing unit) that receives/stores data and directs computer operation.

Two Kinds of Software:

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

Microsoft Windows
It is also referred as a program; Microsoft Windows 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 colourful graphics interface (called GUI-pronounced goose) that can be seen on
the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on.

Windows provides the ff.:

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 boarders, 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 sounds and video.

Instructional Software
It 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.

Guidelines in evaluating computer-based educational materials:

Be extremely cautious in using CBIs and free internet materials.
Dont be caught up by attractive graphics, sound, animation, pictures, video clips and music for
getting 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.
Clarity in the explanation 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.

Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

Understanding Hypermedia
From the Educational Technology 1 course, the student has already become aware of multimedia or
an audio-visual package.
Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time package as an educational computer software
where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment.

Educational IT Applications:
Tutorial software packages
Knowledge webpages
Simulation instructional games

 Learning project management, and others.

The presentation of information-learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a nonlinear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of
learner autonomy and thinking skills.

Characteristics of Hypermedia Applications:

Learner control this means the learner makes his own decision on the path, flow or event of
instruction.
Learner wide range of navigation routes the learner controls the sequence and pace of his path
depending on his ability and motivation.
The learner also has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already
familiar with.

Lesson 16: The Internet and Education

The Internet and Education
The internet, also called the Net, is the largest and far-flung network system-of-all-systems. The
internet is not really a network but a loosely organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by
computers in the planet. It is astonishing to know that no one owns the internet. It has no central
headquarters, no centrally offered services, and no comprehensive online index to tell users what
information is available in the system.
How is everything coordinated through the internet? This is done through a standardized protocol
called the TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROTOCOL orINTERNET PROTOCOL(TCP/IP).
To gain access to the internet, the computer must be equipped with what is called SERVER which
has a special software(program) that uses the internet protocol.
The internet connects not only commercial, industrial scientific establishment but all other sectors
including education and its libraries, campuses, and computer centers.

Getting around the Net

The most attractive way to move around the internet is called browsing. Using of program called a
BROWSER, the user can use a mouse to point and click on screen icons to surf Internet, particularly the

WORD WIDE WEB (the Web) an internets subset of text, images, and sounds are linked together to allow
users to access data or information needed.