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 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 computerbased 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 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.

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.