EDTS100

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EDTS100 COMP103Lecture 8
Content Specific Software

• Donna Gronn

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Content specific software

• Generic software enable children and teachers to
  develop their own content.
• Content specific software written for a specific
  purpose.

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Content Specific Software

• Content specific software should address
  students' learning styles and
  multiple intelligences.
• Animated processes and simulations should add
  value to understanding offer possibilities for
  problem solving.

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Types of Content Specific Software

• Drill and practice
• Simulation
• Database of facts
• Problem solving
• Living Books
• Creative
• Activity based content

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Drill Practice

• Math Blaster
• Blaster Learn to Read
• Reader Rabbit
• Mighty Math Zoo Zillions
• Spelling Jungle Blizzard Spelling
• Number Munchers

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Simulation

• Sim Series
• SimAnt, SimCity, SimFarm, Skyglobe, SimPark,
  SimTown
• Theme Park World

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Database of facts

• Quickverse
• Explorapedia
• Dangerous Creatures
• Australia the Multimedia Experience
• The Way Things Work
• Jacaranda SOSE etc.

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Problem solving

• Lemmings
• Big Thinkers
• Midnight Rescue
• Logical Journey of the Zoombinis
• Thinkin Things
• Treasure Galaxy
• Myst

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Living Books

• Little Monster at School
• Arthurs Teacher Trouble
• Babe
• Free Willy
• Just Grandma and Me

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Creative

• Lennys Music Toons
• Fine Artist
• Kidpix
• Write, Camera, Action

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Activity based content

• Ozzies World
• Magic School Bus
• Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego
• Safety Monkey
• Sammys Science House
• Playing with Language

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Installation

• Check that the computer meets minimum
  requirements (preferably better)
• Insert CD-ROM (and cross your fingers)
• Often it will autostart and guide you through the
  install process.
• Pressing ENTER at most steps installs with
  default settings

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If all else fails read the directions
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When Software doesnt Autostart

• Open Control Panel (via Settings or My Computer)
• Select Add/Remove Programs
• Click Install then Next and Finish

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When it doesnt work

• Try again.
• Take careful note of any error messages.
• Read the accompanying documentation e.g Manuals
  and Readme files.
• Network to find a solution.e.g. other teachers,
  techs, hints on the net

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Tutorial Reminders

• To avoid dramas with web pages
• Web files should all be in lowercase and one
  word.
• Keep all related files in the same folder
• Make sure you have spelt presentation correctly