Section 3

Understanding the Nature of Instructional Software

Lesson 5

Software for Educators and

Students Section Intended Learning Outcome

 Integrate useful instructional software in the teaching-learning process.

Intended Learning
Outcome

At the end of this lesson, you are expected

 Demonstrate skills in rating software for teaching and learning use.

Time Frame: 9
hours

Materials Needed: Module, Pen and Paper, Laptop/Computer,

Concept
:

3.5.1 System
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.

System software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and
its devices. It serves as the interface between the user, the application software and
the hardware.

Operating system is one type of system software which contains instructions that
coordinate all of the activities of the computer hardware devices. It also contains
instructions that allow the user to run the application 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.

3.5.2 The Different Operating

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Computer software companies regularly upgrade their operating system by releasing
new versions which contain new features that make computers more powerful and much
user- friendly. The latest operating systems provide improved integration with the World
Wide Web and enhanced the multimedia capabilities of computers.

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 1. Stand-Alone Operating Systems
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 versions. 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. It 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 hard drive.
This is the operating system used on mobile devices and other consumer
electronics. Today‟s embedded operating systems recognize 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 applications (also known as “apps”) with the help of the embedded
operating system.
The three popular embedded operating systems are Apple‟s iOS, Google
Android and Blackberry OS.
 iOS: Apple‟s iOS is previously known as iPhone OS. iOS is an operating that
was developed by Apple and used on the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone
and Apple TV. 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: Google designed the Google Android operating system
for mobile devices. This operating system allows programmers to design
programs specifically for devices supporting this operating 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 smartphones. 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 OS has the potential
to revolutionize computing. Google Chrome OS is based on Google Android
which is designed to work exclusively with web-based and cloud-based
applications and to run on Chromebook computers.
3.5.3 Application Software

Application software or application programs allow users to perform specific tasks

Application software can be used for the following purposes:

 As a productivity/business
tool
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  Create graphics and multimedia
projects
 Support school and professional
activities
 Help individuals with home and personal
activities
 Facilitate
communication

3.5.4 Types of Software Applications Used in Schools

1. Instructional Software
These are programs designed specifically to deliver instruction or aid with the
delivery of instruction. Instructional software is intended to teach skills or
information through demonstrations, examples, explanations, or problem solving.
Examples are tutorials, drill-and-practice programs, simulations, instructional
games, problem solving and special needs software.
a. Tutorial
Software
A software that teaches the users about new concepts. A tutorial usually
offers pre-test, post-test and drill and practice. This software guides the users
from start to the end of learning.
b. Drill and Practice
Software
Provides exercises 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 and practice software strengthens students‟ skills by
providing them repetitive tasks until they master the concept or idea.
c. Simulation
s
Simulations provide a life-like or world-like scenario or system that students
may experience through the computer. Simulations allow the students to
experience what is it like and learn how it should be done in a real-world
situation. Simulations involve students into learning process, save money and
resources, and make experimentation safe.
d. 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 the
challenge of competition, and provide different levels of complexity that match
player‟s ability.
e. Problem Solving
Software
Focuses on fostering skills in problem-solving. This software provides
opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content area problems.
f. Special Needs
Software
Designed specifically for students with learning disabilities to assist them in
carrying out school tasks. This includes speech synthesis software, text
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 enlargement programs, talking calculators and others.
2. Productivity Software
Productivity software is designed to help teachers and students in creating
their reports, computing of grades, communicating, developing of materials and
keeping of records effectively and efficiently. It includes applications such as word
processing, electronic Spreadsheet, presentation graphics, graphics and
multimedia software, database, personal information management and software
suites.

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 a. Word Processing
Software
This is one of the most widely used application software. People including
teachers and students use word processing software in creating documents
such as letters, memoranda, reports, newsletters, thesis, lesson plans, hand
outs, tests, communication and many others. The commonly used word
processing software in schools is the Microsoft Word.
b. Electronic Spreadsheet
Software
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 identified with letters
starting from A to XFD (Microsoft Excel 2010). Row numbers are horizontally
arranged which are identified with numbers from 1 to 1 048 576.
c. Presentation
Software
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.
d. Graphics and Multimedia
Software
These allows professionals like engineers, architects, publishers and graphic
artists 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.
3. Administrative Software
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, faculty evaluation, etc.

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