Core topic: Software

Core Topic: Software

Software are programs and other operating information used by a computer.
There are 3 main types of software that students will need to differentiate.

1. Application Software
2. Operating Systems and
3. Interfaces

There are three main types of application software:
A good way aid students in their learning is to show student is visually.  

1. Command Line interfaces- these uses lists of scripts and codes and were only used by people who could understand the commands
2. Graphical user interfaces- These are the visual interfaces that have been created so that we do not have to understand every piece code.  There are different interfaces for different types windows and macintosh for example.
3. Natural language Interface- is a human interface were words and phrases control the interface.  

Command line Interface
image found at:http://jrm-research.blogspot.com.au/2006/11/command-line-interface.html

Graphical User Interface for an iPhone
Image found at: http://downloadpsd.com/gui/iphone-gui-psd-source/

Natural Language Interface
image found at:http://www.theasiasun.com/siri-iphone-4s-the-google-killer/923975/

During the lecture we were shown an on-line program called WIX that could be used for students who are in lower grades or who have learning difficulties.  This program helps to get students familiar with the layout of a webpage. This could be used with lower ability students and beginners.  

Video found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs1XSq-qxmA&feature=youtu.be

Even getting students to create a blog on word press or blogger could be a good task as they can play around with the layout of their blog and can continually add information through their posts.  

The site Pearltrees is a good way for students to link websites they like together click here to view a Pearltree It is good because you can place the cursor above the website circle and it gives you a view of the website, so you know if it is the one you are after.   

Video found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zDkwN-_ySg