Week 10

System Software:

This consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. I use Windows XP.

User Interface:

This controls how you enter data or instructions (input) and how information is presented on the screen (output).

Graphical user interface:

This interface combines text, graphics and other visual cues to make software easier to use.

* Common features of both Windows and Macintosh graphical user interface:

• icons- represent a software program
• button - is a graphical element that when selected, causes a specific action to take place.
• pointing device (mouse)
• Menus

Note Taking Software:

Advantages:

• can convert handwritten comments to type text or store the notes in a hand written form.
• can include audio recording as part the notes
• can organize notes, reuse them and share them
• flag important notes with color, highlight and shapes

Disadvantages:

• not all textbooks are provided as a soft copy

Productivity Software:

This is designed to make people more effective and efficient while performing daily activities.

• word processing - used to create, edit, and format documents that consist primarily of text Example: newsletter
• spreadsheet - allows you to organize numeric data in rows and columns
• database - allows you to create a computerized database, add, change, and delete data, sort and retrieve data from the database; create forms and reports using the data Example: student information
• presentation graphics - You can create presentations to communicate ideas, messages and other information to a group Examples: power point
• personal information management - this software application on PDAs and smart phones that includes an appointment calendar, address book, notepad Example: to do list

Desktop Publishing Software:

I have use this with my 9th grade English class to have them create a newspaper representing the Shakespeare era. I have also used this with my Kindergarten class to make newsletters to send home for parents to see what it is that their children are doing.

Clip Art:

This is another application that I have used in ,making power points for my kinder class. As a 9th

Grade Book Software:

I used this as a 9th grade English teacher to keep track of the students' grades.

Week 8

Digital Media and Educational Software Applications:

Digital media and educational software applications allow teachers to use them to deliver classroom presentations that enhance student learning. Students use digital media applications to learn by reading, seeing, hearing and interacting with the subject content.

Media Components:

Text:
This is a fundamental element use in all multimedia and digital media applications. It is used to convey basic information, they also use a variety of textual effects to emphasize and clarify information.

Graphics:
This is a digital representation of non text information, such as a drawing, chart or photograph. Graphics can illustrate certain concepts more vividly than text.

Audio:
Audio is any music, speech, or other sound. Audio allows digital media developers to provide information in a way that brings a concept or concepts to life.

Video:
Video is a visual frames that are played back at speeds of 15 to 60 frames per second and reinforce lectures and readings, provide a common base of knowledge, and show how things that students would not otherwise experience.

Electronic Reference vs How-To Guide

An electronic reference text uses text, graphics, sounds, animation, and video to explain a topic or provide additional information. A How-To guide are digital media applications that include step by step instructions and interactive demonstrations to teach you practical new skills.

A electronic reference text is used more often in education because it uses digital media to clarify topics for students and supply additional information about thousands of subjects.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality is used to create an artificial environment that appears and feels like a real environment that appears and feels like a real environment and allows you to explore space and manipulate the setting. Teachers use VR for virtual field trips, Virtual Reality can be found on the Web.