Educational software facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

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Educational software is any computer software made for learning. It includes many types, from programs that teach languages to tools that help teachers manage classrooms. It also covers reference software, like digital encyclopedias. The main goal of all educational software is to make learning better and easier.

History of Learning Software
- Early Days (1940s-1970s)
- Personal Computers Arrive (1970s-1980s)
Types of Educational Software
How Educational Software Helps
See also

History of Learning Software

Early Days (1940s-1970s)

Computers first helped with education in the 1940s. American researchers created flight simulators. These used early computers to copy what pilots would see and hear in a plane. One example was the type 19 radar trainer from 1943.

For many years, educational software was tied to the specific computer it ran on. Famous early systems included PLATO (1960) and TICCIT (1969). In 1963, IBM worked with Stanford University. They created a full computer-aided learning program for elementary schools. This program was used in schools in California and Mississippi.

In 1967, Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) was formed. They sold these learning materials to schools. Back then, computer terminals cost over $10,000. This made them too expensive for most places. Some early programming languages like LOGO (1967) were also educational. They were made for students and new computer users. The PLATO IV system came out in 1972. It had features like bitmap graphics (pictures made of tiny dots) and basic sounds. It also supported input devices like the touchscreen. These features later became common in home computers.

Personal Computers Arrive (1970s-1980s)

The Altair 8800 personal computer arrived in 1975. This changed everything for software, especially for educational programs. Before 1975, people used large mainframe computers owned by universities or the government. After 1975, people could buy computers for less than $2000. They could use software at home or in schools.

By the early 1980s, personal computers became popular. These included the Apple II (1977), Commodore PET (1977), VIC-20 (1980), and Commodore 64 (1982). This led to new companies and non-profits making educational software. Key companies from this time were Broderbund and The Learning Company. MECC was a major non-profit software maker. These companies made many programs for personal computers. Most of the first software was for the Apple II.

Types of Educational Software

Courseware

"Courseware" mixes the words 'course' and 'software'. It first meant extra learning materials for teachers or students. These usually came as kits to use with a computer. Now, the term can mean a whole online course. This includes all the lessons, tests, and other materials. Many companies use "courseware" to describe a complete learning package. Courseware can be online, like web pages, or files you can download. Many types of educational technology are now called courseware.

Classroom Tools

Some educational software is made for school classrooms. Teachers often project this software onto a large whiteboard. It can also run on computers in the classroom. SMART Notebook is a well-known example. It works with SMART Boards, letting teachers draw digitally on the board. This type of software is often called classroom management software. It helps teachers control and organize their lessons. Many educational book publishers also make this specialized software.

Assessment Software

More schools want to use less paper for tests. This is good for the environment. Assessment software helps test students in a digital way. Students can take tests and exams on a computer. The software then grades the tests and gives results for each student.

Assessment software comes in different forms. Some you install on your own computer system. Others are online. There are also hand-held voting systems. Both paid and free software options are available. Moodle is a popular free example with a testing part. Google Classroom and Blackboard Learn are other popular systems.

Special Learning Devices

Some companies felt that regular computers were not good enough for young children. So, they made special child-friendly devices. These often look like small laptops. The keyboard for younger children might have letters in ABC order. For older kids, it uses the regular QWERTY layout.

LeapFrog products are famous examples. They make fun hand-held consoles. You can plug in different educational game cartridges. They also have electronic book devices. These are easy to carry. They focus mostly on helping kids learn to read and write.

While most computer systems are for general use, some are made just for education. Many Linux distributions, for example, offer special versions for schools.

Training for Adults

Educational software for companies and universities used to run on one computer. After 2000, many switched to server-based programs. This means the software runs on powerful computers far away. Users get small parts of a lesson or test over the internet. The server decides what to send, collects results, and shows progress. This changed educational software into an online learning service.

Software for Specific Subjects

Educational software for learning Standard Chinese using Pinyin.

There are many types of educational software for specific needs:

Teacher tools and classroom management software (for remote control, file sharing, etc.)
Driving test software
Interactive geometry software (for math)
Language learning software
Mind Mapping Software (helps with ideas and studying)
Software for designing and printing card models
Note-taking software
Software for virtual dissection (used in medical schools)
Spelling tutor software
Typing tutors
Reading instruction software
Medical and healthcare educational software

Video Games and Learning

Video games can also teach you things. Some operating systems and phones have games for learning. For example, Microsoft Solitaire helped people learn to use a mouse and the drag-and-drop technique. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing has mini-games to make typing practice fun.

Gamification means using game ideas in non-game situations. It can help motivate people to learn. Classcraft is a tool teachers use. It has game elements combined with learning goals. Tovertafel is a game console for special education and helping people with dementia.

How Educational Software Helps

Tutor-Based Software

Tutor-based educational software acts like a personal tutor. It copies the one-on-one learning style of a teacher and student. Studies show this software can help students understand topics better. It can also reduce the time they need to study.

Helping Kids with Disabilities

A study looked at how educational software helps children with mild disabilities. The results showed it had a good effect. It helped these children learn social skills through team activities, discussions, videos, and games.

Checking Software Quality

There is a lot of educational software available today. A system called CEELTES was created to evaluate it. This system checks software in four areas:

Technical and user features.
Information, content, and how it works.
How well it helps with learning and understanding.
How it affects students' minds and teaching methods.

Software gets points in each area to show how good it is.

Use in Universities

In university computer science classes, learning logic is very important. Tools like FOLST and LogicChess are suggested. They help students understand First Order Logic better. This helps them grasp the course material and design ideas.