The following is a summary of the main points covered in this chapter.
- Benefits of software tools are the same as those described for Chapter 4 tools: Benefits include improved efficiency and productivity, improved appearance, better accuracy and timeliness of information, and more support for interaction and sharing.
- Recent developments in software tools: These include increased use of PDAs, more web connectivity features, and more collections of tools available in software suites.
- Materials generators: Tools that help teachers and students produce instructional materials. They include: desktop publishing software, test generators and rubric generators, worksheet and puzzle generators, IEP generators, graphic document makers, and PDF and forms makers.
- Data collection and analysis tools: Tools that help teachers collect and organize information that indicates student progress. They include: electronic gradebooks, statistical packages, student information systems, and online and computer-based testing systems, and student response systems.
- Graphics tools: Tools that allow manipulation of images to illustrate documents and web pages. They include draw/paint programs, image editing tools; charting/graphing tools; and clip art, photo, animation, sound, video, and font collections.
- Planning and organizing tools: Tools that help teachers and students conceptualize, organize, and communicate their ideas. They include outlining and concept mapping software, lesson planning software, and scheduling/time management tools.
- Research and reference tools: Tools that let students look up information in electronic versions of encyclopedias, atlases, and dictionaries. They include electronic versions of the following tools: encyclopedias, atlases and mapping tools, and dictionaries and thesauruses.
- Content area tools: Tools that support teaching and learning activities in various content areas. They include CAD systems, music tools such as music editors and sequencers, reading tools, Microcomputer-based labs, graphing calculators and calculator-based labs, and Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems.
