Educational Software

Long gone are the days when Reader Rabbit was the only educational software you could find¡Xfor kids or adults. The Educational Software Cooperative alone references more than forty-one different categories of software. Topics range from preschool subjects to astronomy and creative writing. For the businessperson there¡¦s productivity, business and finance software, and programs to teach you how to build your own website.

Also, many ¡§standard¡¨ software companies offer educational versions of their programs, aimed mainly at high school and college students. With proof of enrollment, students can purchase the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or other very expensive programs for a fraction of their normal price.

But like any other program, you don¡¦t want to buy the educational software and find out it doesn¡¦t fit the bill. Reviews of educational software are available at quite a few websites. Even a simple Google search by the name of the software you¡¦re considering will bring you loads of information.

For children, check out your child¡¦s school. See what software is being used in the classroom. Talk to your child¡¦s teachers about what has worked and what hasn¡¦t. In a classroom situation, any weaknesses in the software will become readily apparent and most teachers are willing to share that information with you.

For educational software aimed at adults, first decide what purpose you want the software to accomplish. Do you need basic literacy? English as a Second Language (ESL)? GED or High School completion? About.com has an entire area devoted to Adult Continuing Education, with many links to educational software aimed specifically at adults.

How the software presents the learning concepts is paramount. A three-year-old learning her letters is going to interact completely differently with the software than a thirty-three year old learning his letters. For the younger set, bright, primary colors, video and audio animations, and large areas to click a mouse help engage the child.

For an adult, a more step-by-step process is usually preferred. Adults have a lot more time constraints and need software that will present the information they need, allow them to practice, and then get on to other things.

Most educational software for the younger set doesn¡¦t require too much from your computer. But some of the more advanced programs aimed at adults, do. You¡¦ll want to check the Systems Requirements for the software you¡¦re considering before you install it. Finding that it locks up your system or can¡¦t even load is going to be a big disappointment.

Things to look for when evaluating any educational software program include: „h Ease of Use: Screens should be easy to read, intuitive, and icons should clearly picture their purpose „h Graphics that add to the learning environment, not clutter it up „h Interaction: Even for adults, interacting with the program helps learning retention „h Personalization: Students should be able to start and stop the program, keep their scores, and chart their progress. Positive feedback is essential for both children and adults

So decide who the software is for, and what you want it to do. Research several different options, read reviews, and look at the systems requirements. Then, when you plunk down your hard-earned money, you¡¦ll know it¡¦s well spent.