Lesson 14: The software as an

Educational Resource
Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia
Lesson 16: The Internet and Education

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 colorful graphics interface (called GUIpronounced gooee) 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.

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.

EducationalIT 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 non-linear
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.

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 connect 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.