Resources: SOFTWARE

SYSTEM
APPLICATIONS
Media

SOFTWARE/PROGRAMS

Sets of instructions that let

users communicate with the
hardware and tells it what to
accomplish.

Kinds Of Software (SW)

System SW: Tells the computer how to
do basic operations such as starting up,
reading a disk, storing a program in
memory or sending something to be
printed (Operating system: MS-DOS;
Windows; Macintosh OS; UNIX OS;
etc.)

 Application SW: represents programs written to

answer specific user requests such as word
processing or performing a statistical test on some
data, drawing pictures.
Two types of Application SW:
Tools- word processing, spread sheets, data bases,
Integrated packages (WP, SS,DB, etc), graphics
software, communication software, etc.
Courseware (Instructional programs): drill and
practice; tutorials; simulations; problem solving;
Instructional games.

Differences: SW tools and

Instructional SW (ISW)
SW Tools: Does support T&L and can enhance
instructional activities but also serves a variety of
other purposes other than T&L activities. (Week
10)
ISW (Courseware): programmes developed for the
sole purpose of delivering instruction or
supporting learning activities OR structured
curriculum materials with integral use of software.

Media
Means by which users store software to
make it more portable and easier to use
diskettes, CDs, thumb drives.
Analogue : Tape/CD not music only a
medium for storing music. Media Cds,
etc, medium to store software

Classifying Courseware
Drill and Practice SW: Programmes
that allow learners to work problems or
answer questions and get feedback on
correctness.
Attain fluency.

 Tutorial SW: Programmes that act like

tutors by providing all information and
instructional activities that a learner needs
to master a given topic (e.g. explanations,
practice routines, feedback and assessment).
(Acquisition stage of learning)
Simulation SW: Programmes that model a
real or imaginary system to show how those
systems or similar ones work.

 Instructional games: Programmes designed

to increase motivation by adding game rules
to learning activities (usually drills or
simulations).
Problem solving SW: (1) Programmes that
teach directly (through explanation and/or
practice) the steps involved in solving
problems (2) Programs that help learners
acquire problem-solving skills by giving
them opportunity to solve problems.

Tutorial: Teaching Packages

You have been provided with a Package one for
each group. Presentation: 10 minutes
Identify which category or categories of
( courseware (instructional SW) is included in your
T&L Package.
When (set induction, etc.), how (whole class, etc.)
and why (foster cooperation, etc.) would you use
each activity in the given package in your lesson
(s)?