Educational Software

Even at first glance, you're overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of elementary educational software that's available out there. Thousands of titles, each seemingly from a different company. Who are these companies, and how do you pick the best product for your particular situation?

There is help. Of course you want good software, but what defines "good"? Actually, the question should be who defines "good"?

And the answer is SIIA, the Software and Information Industry Association. This is a software-industry association, and each year they judge the CODiE awards that recognize excellence in software development.

The CODiE awards Education category gives awards in Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution: Language Arts/Reading, Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution: Mathematics, and Best Elementary Education Instructional Solution: Other Content Areas.

For 2006, the winner in the elementary language arts and reading category was Classwork, put out by Curriculum Advantage. The software is intuitive, with a large reference base and also offers help for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The 2006 Best Instructional Method for Math was FASTT Math from Tom Snyder Productions. Using 10-minute daily sessions, this software helps students become proficient in basic math skills like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. The "non-content core areas" award went to Kidspiration2. Kidspiration has won CODiE awards in other years, as well. The program has students combine pictures, text and words to describe their story ideas.

But what happens if you're considering software that isn't a CODiE winner? Not a problem! There are many, many quality programs out there, especially for the younger learners. First, ask yourself a few questions.

What exactly do you want? There are comprehensive suites of programs, especially for the older elementary student who is beginning to combine concepts, like spelling, writing, and social studies or history. There are also programs that focus just on one area. These are superb for students who are struggling in one subject, such as math.

Will the software you buy be the same as what's being used in the classroom, or will it complement what's being offered at school? Once you have a few of these questions answered, you can begin your hunt.

Search engines are a good place to start. Using a Google search with "elementary math software" will get you a lot of hits, and probably some popular software up toward the top.

Now try the same search in an education-related website like ERIC, the Education Resources Information Center. You may begin to see a pattern, with some of the same software titles showing up.

A little more searching and you'll soon come up with a few titles to research in-depth. Look at the age range suggested for the product, or more appropriately, the grade level. Elementary age children vary considerably in their skill level, and the same child can have vastly different needs even between reading and math. Think carefully about one software program for both needs if your child is in this situation.

And remember, especially with educational software for the elementary student, there is no substitute for adult involvement. Younger learners tend to have shorter attention spans and get frustrated much easier than their high school counterparts. Let your child learn at his or her own pace. If the software is engaging and interactive, it will draw your child in, make learning fun, and everyone will benefit.