Educational Software

As a student, you're the target audience for educational software. While there is some software out there for pre-school and adult learners, the vast majority is developed for students in elementary school through college.

You're also on a budget-often quite tight. So it's nice to know that most educational software for students is reasonably priced. Even better, many software manufacturers also offer "educational" or "student" versions of their software.

These versions are almost always perfect for students. Many times they're full-fledged versions of the program, but they'll only work for a limited time; a quarter, semester, or year, for example. Other times some of the more advanced features might not be included, or the words "educational version" might print on some output.

In other cases you'll need to provide proof to the software company that you actually are a student, or sometimes the parent of a student. The website for the software or the box itself should tell you what's required; usually a copy of your student ID and/or a copy of your current class schedule or most recent grade report.

Probably your first step should be to check your class schedule. Often the instructor or professor will outline any required software and also suggest places to use it for free. For instance, most college computer labs will carry the software required for campus classes.

However, that means you need to book time in the computer lab, and on a large campus that can be hard to come by. Buying the software commercially is always an option, but that can get mighty spendy, especially when you get into programs like AutoCAD or some of the scientific software.

In those cases, look for the student or educational software versions. Double-check the description of what the educational version will do against the requirements for your class and make sure it's a good fit. If so, this will give you computer technology at an affordable price, and maybe, just maybe, a better grade.

For the younger set, look for software appropriate to grade level performance. For instance, a fifth-grade student may be reading at an eighth-grade level; software for the eighth grade would be appropriate in that case, since fifth-grade software would likely bore that student.

Most educational software provides suggested grade ranges and those are generally good guides to go by. Look for software that's "multi-level", meaning it has several levels of activities and challenges so the student won't outgrow the software within a few months.

The software for elementary and middle-school students should be engaging and fun, with intuitive interfaces and feedback on a consistent basis. Some way of tracking progress over several sessions is also important, so the student can get a sense of accomplishment for what he's done.

Some software is actually a whole series, like the Reader Rabbit or Math Blaster series. Purchase the first one appropriate to your child's learning level, and if she likes it, new ones can be added as her proficiency develops.

Student educational software can be a boon to both students and parents alike. But a poorly-planned purchase can do as much harm as a well-planned purchase can do good. Software that just reinforces a child's belief that a particular subject is "boring" will do no good.

Get reviews, talk to other parents, talk to teachers. Once you've done your own homework, see if you can find a trial version, shareware, or a free copy from the library. If your student likes the educational software and actually uses it, then purchase of a full program will be money well spent.