Types of Software
Ministry Licenced Software
Open Source Software
Commercial Software
Software Evaluation Supports
Choose one of the following resources to assist you with your evaluation and complete it using the software you have selected.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091735_evaluate-educational-software.html
http://www.ncsu.edu/midlink/sw.checklist.pdf 
http://www.techknowlogia.org/TKL_Articles/PDF/129.pdf
Categories of Software
Productivity Tools
These are software programs that let you enter and manipulate information. Word processors, spreadsheets and databases fall under this broad software category. A few specific examples include Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office, Open Office, and Star Office.
Authoring Tools
These tools draw on students’ creativity by allowing them to change original content. Drawing and creative writing programs are common authoring tools. Photoshop and Corel Painter are two examples.
Drill and Practice
This type of software program tends to mirror traditional classroom activities such as multiple choice, cloze activities, matching and fill in the blanks. Many teachers find this software useful to reinforce content already taught in the classroom. Math Trek is an example.
Reference
Electronic dictionaries and encyclopedias, such as Dictionary.com, Wikipedia and The Canadian Encylopedia, are examples of reference tools. Many of today’s reference tools are filled with multimedia features such as audio and video, animations and interactive graphics.
Tutorials
The purpose of tutorial software is to teach through a demonstration of practical information on a given topic. All the Right Type is a popular keyboarding tutorial program used in schools.
Games
There are several genres of games, from simple puzzles to highly sophisticated 3D adventure environments or simulations. Students usually have a specific challenge to complete.
More Resources: (this list will continue to grow as you may find resources to add to this list)
Kathy Scrock’s Apps Guide http://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html
Educational Origami http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/
Youtube, Vimeo, TeacherTube or your other favourite video hosting site – search for tutorials on how to use the software title
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