Week 9 - Core: Software

The software core topic 7 is so very relevant to not only teachers and students but to society as we are now using more software as technology and hardware devices evolve. The lecture highlighted the types of software (application software, operating systems and utility programs), the types of interfaces (CLI, GUI and NLI - emerging).

Finding resources and demonstrating to students could definitely be achieved by way of video tutorial and Internet examples. I believe the IST text, Information and Software Technology, Grover 2011, provides a clear easy to read explanation of the topics with  good graphics and interesting activities and tasks for a range of learners.

The following You Tube video is a short presentation that is simple to read, follow and understand briefly explaining with graphics and short notes on the various software

Video1. Types of Software. You Tube 2012.

 Software Resources

A number of very useful mostly FREE web sites were presented that will assist in teaching. One of the sites, Gliffy, I have suggested as a resources to assist students design flow charts when designing software programs.

Video 2. How To Build A Website. Wix.com. 2012

Wix.com - Website creating site, that is ideal for beginners. The video makes it look very simple and professional. 

GoogleSites - Is an ideal site for students to assist co-ordinating group work activities. There are a number of different "sites" that a group can select. There are built in Gantt charts with the software providing a tidy and professional platform for the students.

Gliffy.com - Is an on line diagramming application that provides examples of charts, flow charts, floor plans that student and teachers can use.

Bubbl.us - is used widely in primary schools that provides mapping software that can be collaborated with others.

Stop Motion - is a software program to assist with photography and animated films.

Sticky notes - is loaded on Windows & and as the name suggests, you can add a sticky note onto your screen as reminders etc.

LessonLAMS.com - is a free lesson delivery system. This looks like a terrific tool to use to set an activity for students with an introduction/welcome and then a list of activities the students can follow and complete. I can allocate parameters to the students with a progress bar showing where they are up to in the activity.


Reference

Cameron,L (2012). Lecture 9: Software [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from ACU http://leo.acu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=4573

Video 1 - Types of Software retrieved from You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J96MazCt1uI
Video 2 - How to Build a Website from You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs1XSq-qxmA