EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
Software is categorized into two types: system software and application software. Both
complete the purpose of the individual for acquiring computer at home, school, office, church and
business.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME:
● Demonstrate skills in rating software for teaching and learning use.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
System software consist of programs that control the operations of the computer and its
devices. System software serves as the interface between the user, the application software and
the hardware. (See figure 6.1 below).
Hardware
System
software
Application
User
Software
Figure 6.1 System Software serves as the interface between the user, hardware and application software.
OPERATING SYSTEM – is one type of system software which contains instructions that
coordinate all of the activities of the computer hardware devices. The operating system also
contains instructions that allow user to run the application software.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
Every time you boot up your computer unit, the operating system starts to run by loading
itself into the computer’s memory. The operating system then does its job by telling the computer
how to perform functions such as transferring data between the input/output devices and computer
memory, processing program instructions, communicating with the computer hardware and other
software like word processor, spreadsheets, presentation and other application programs. The
operating system remains in the computer memory and it continues to run while the computer is
turned on.
The Different Operating Systems
Computer system companies regularly upgrade their operating system by releasing new
version which contain new features that make computers more powerful and much user-friendly.
The latest operating systems provide improved integration with the Wold Wide Web and enhanced
the multimedia capabilities of computers.
1. Stand-Alone Operating System
This is a complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook
computer, or mobile computing device. Examples of which are Microsoft Windows
and Mac OS X.
● Windows: Microsoft Windows is the most known operating system. Many
versions had been out in the market to help users perform computer-based
tasks with more convenience. Windows used to have Windows Vista,
Windows XP, and Windows 7 version. Now, Windows 8 and Windows 10
versions are widely used.
● MAC OS X: This operating system is only available for computers which
are manufactured by Apple. The Mac OS X Mavericks has features which
offer endless possibilities for browsing, purchasing and interacting with
application. Mac OS X used to have Mac OS X Tiger, Mac OS X Leopard,
Mac OS X Lion, etc.
2. Embedded Operating Systems
This kind of operating system resides in an internal chip rather than a hardware
drive. This is the operating system used on mobile devices and other consumer
electronics. Today, embedded operating system recognized multiple points of
contact and allow users to interact with the device using a stylus or finger. Motions
like, tapping, swiping, sliding a finger send instructions to the device with the help
of the embedded operating system. Users, thus can interact and enjoy a number of
application (also known as “apps”) with the help of embedded operating system.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
The three popular embedded operating system are Apple’s IOS, Google Android, and Blackberry
OS.
● iOS: Apple’s iOS is previously known as iPhone OS. iOS is an operating system that was
developed by Apple and used on the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone and Apple TV. The Apple
allows programmers worldwide to design apps specifically for devices supporting this
operating system. iOS-based apps are available for download at the Apple App Store.
● Google Android: Goole designed the eGoogle Android operating system for mobile
devices. This operating system allows programmers to design programs specifically for
devices supporting this operat4ing system. This operating system is being used in more
than 20 different types of mobile devices including tablet computers.
● Blackberry OS: This operating system was developed by Research in Motion for
Blackberry’s line of smartphone. The decline in sales of Blackberry was felt in the past
years.
3. Emerging Operating Systems
The emerging operating system like that of Google’s Chrome has the potential to
revolutionize computing. Goole Chrome OS is based on Google Android which is design
to work exclusively with web-based and cloud-based applications and to run on
Chromebook computers.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software or application programs allow users to perform specific tasks like
writing documents, making project presentations, video recording and many other.
Application software can be used for the following purposes:
● As productivity/business tool
● Create graphics and multimedia projects
● Support school and professional activities
● Help individuals with home and personal activities
● Facilitate communication.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
Application software, or app for short, is software that performs specific tasks for an end-user.
Effectively, if the user is interacting directly with a piece of software it is application software. For example,
Microsoft Word or Excel are application software, as are common web browsers such as Firefox or Google
Chrome.
It also includes the category of mobile apps, including communication apps such as WhatsApp or games
such as Candy Crush Saga. There are also app versions of common services such as those providing weather
or transport information or apps for customers to interact with companies.
Application software is distinct from system software, which refers to the software that actually keeps the
systems running such as the operating system, computational science software, game engines, industrial
automation, and software as a service applications.
Instead of interacting with the user, the system software interacts with other software or hardware.
Fundamental Types of Application Software and How They Differ
● Utility software
This could include firewall utilities and antivirus applications, as well as other utilities like zipping or
unzipping utilities or disk defragmenting tools, or anything else that an end user can operate as a utility.
● Integrated software
Software that does more than one thing, or includes different bundled applications. Here's where your
traditional Microsoft Office suite belongs. Another example is a set of database applications bundled
together to do different things to data assets.
● Specific application software
This would be a single application developed for one defined purpose that is not a utility. Here's where
you can separate all of those standalone applications into different categories like games, word
processors, analytical engines, newsfeeds etc.
Even social media platforms have come to resemble applications, especially on our mobile phone devices,
where individual applications are given the nickname “apps.”
So while the term “application software” can be used broadly, it’s an important term in describing the rise
of sophisticated computing environments from early mainframes and Von Neumann models.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
TYPES OF SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS USED IN SCHOOLS
There are several educational activities being done in schools in which application software are of
great help in accomplishing these activities. The different types of software that supports educational
technology applications in school settings include instructional software, productivity software &
administrative software.
o Instructional Software – these are programs designed specifically to deliver instructions or aid
with the delivery of instructions. Instructional software are intended to teach skills or information
through demonstrations, examples, explanations, or problem solving. Examples are tutorials, drill-
and-practice programs, simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and special software
needs.
● Tutorial Software – a software that teaches the user about
new concept. A tutorial usually offers pre-test, post-test and
drill and practice. This software guides the users from the start
to the end of learning.
● Drill & Practice Software – provides exercise in which
students work on items one at a time and receive feedback on
their correctness. An effective drill-and-practice program
should allow students to work at their own pace, give
motivating feedback, and be user-friendly. Drill & Practice
software strengthens students’ skills by providing them
repetitive task until they master the concept or idea. Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1:
Example of Tutorial Software
● Simulations – provide a life-like or world-like scenario or system that students may
experience through the computer. Simulations allow the student to experience what it is
like and learn how it should be done in a real-world situation. Simulations involve students
in to a learning process, save money and resources and make experimentation safe.
● Instructional games – Primarily used to motivate learners in learning a concept or topic.
It also allows learners to practice their skills in a more engaging manner. Instructional
games make learning fun and motivating. It motivates learners via challenge or competition
and provide different levels of complexity that match player’s ability.
● Problem solving software – focuses on fostering skills in problem-solving. This software
provides opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content area problems.
● Special needs software – designed specifically for students with learning disabilities to
assist them in carrying out school tasks. This includes speech synthesis, software, text
enlargement, programs, talking calculators and others.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
Productivity Software – is designed to help teachers and students in creating reports, computing grades,
communicating, developing materials and keeping records effectively and efficiently. Productivity software
includes applications such as word processing, electronic spreadsheet, presentation graphics, graphics and
multimedia software, database, personal information management and software suites.
● The word processing software is widely used application software. It allows user to create
letters, memos, thesis, lesson plans, hands out, test, communication and many others. The
commonly used word processing software in schools is the Microsoft Word. Some word
processing software are Open Office Writer, Google Docs, Adobe Buzzword & Lotus
Symphony.
The Power of Word Processing in Education
Saves time in the preparation of materials needed for teaching and
learning.
Enhances document appearance
Allows sharing of documents
Allows collaboration on documents
● Electronic Spreadsheet – allows the user to organize numeric data in rows and columns.
This software is normally used to doing budgets, grade computation and accomplish
mathematical problems. Spreadsheets are composed of thousands of rows and columns.
Columns are vertically arranged which are identifies with letters starting from letter A to
The Power of Spreadsheets in Education
Save valuable time in completing the required computations in teaching
and learning.
Organize displays of information.
Support asking “what if” questions that gives quick answers.
Increase motivation to work with numbers.
XFD (MS Excel 2010). Row numbers are horizontally arranged which are identified with
numbers from 1 to 1,048,576.
● Presentation software – is designed to communicate and display information including
text, images, audio, and video elements in a slideshow format. Presentation programs are
typically used in schools during lectures, presentation of reports, motivational games, and
the like. Keynote, Apple iWork, and Microsoft PowerPoint are some examples of
presentation software.
The Power of Presentation Software in Education
Helps organize thinking of what the speaker would like to say.
Enhances the impact of spoken information
Allows collaboration on presentation through group work.
EDTECH 2: Module 6
UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
GRAPHICS AND MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE
Graphics and multimedia software allows professionals like engineers, architect, publishers and graphic
artist to design work that is intended for their own field of specialization. Graphics and multimedia
software include desktop publishing software, paint/image editing software, clip art/image gallery,
multimedia authoring tools, video and audio editing software, web page authoring software and others.
ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS
These are programs that administrators at schools use to
establish and strengthen record keeping and exchanges of information
among various institutions and agencies. These include student
information records, admissions, accounting, payroll system, tuition
management, class scheduling, purchasing, faculty hiring evaluation
and etc.
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2 Example of
Administrative tool from Western State
University
LEARNING ACTIVITY (Module 10)
MODULE 6 – QUIZ TIME!
● Using your smartphone, open/download your QR Code Scanner
and SCAN the QR Code to take the Quiz, or you can manually
type the URL into your browser (chrome).
[Link]
