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Educational Software Integrated With Computers

Educational software isn?t a new idea, but with the increasing use of computers in homes and in schools, the software industry has responded with more titles and more topics to meet the needs.

Educational software isn?t meant to replace time that parents and teachers spend with children. It is designed to improve the learning process. Educational software offers visual learning a more interesting way to tackle subjects. With video games becoming more commonly used by children for entertainment, it makes sense to incorporate some of the excitement into software programs that have an educational lesson.

Educational software has been around almost as long as computers. The early computers and software programs were very expensive and limited to only a few companies and universities that could afford them. Early educational software included flight simulators to train pilots and astronauts. It wasn?t until the late 1970s that the personal computer opened the door for companies to develop software titles for use at home and later in classroom settings.

The early personal computers like the Commodore and Apple became widely available in the early 1980s. Following these computers where educational software companies like Broderbund, Learning Company and Minnesota Education Computing Consortium or MECC.

Educational software works on some basic principles. One is the fact that children learn at different speeds. Educational software can allow one child to advance at a quick pace while another child repeats certain skills until they become proficient. Each child can advance at his own pace and not impact the speed of the other.

Another principle that educational software designers keep in mind is that children are attracted to the visually stimulating graphics of today?s computer games. The characters are fully developed and the action is non-stop. Where games for pure entertainment require only a point-and-shot level of interaction, an educational software program keeps the focus on learning.

Educational software keeps the excitement level high with interesting scenes and action, but the learning takes place because certain tasks must be complete to achieve gaming goals. For example, a player must complete a math equation correctly in order to gain entrance to an area of the program. Or certain objects must be spelled correctly in order to build up enough point to earn access to the next level.

Educational software also gives children the chance to play a game or a portion of a game over and over again. For an adult this repetition might seem boring, but for a child learning a new skill, educational research indicates that it is this act of repetition that builds confidence and understanding.

Researchers also know that children are more likely to respond positively to characters they already know. Children learn characters through cartoons, movies and story books. Seeing these characters in an educational software program creates a sense of familiarity and acceptance. The program will be viewed more as a fun exercise than forced learning.

Many companies have responded to this research and have expanded their brands. For example, mega companies like Disney also offer a line of educational software. The lessons feature well-known Disney characters. The children participate and follow instructions from their favorite characters.

As the child grows, educational software programs are available to take them through middle and high school programs. Then they can prepare for college entrance exams with software. Once on the job, educational software can help train employees to use new equipment.

frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.educational-software-2008.com Educational Software

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