Software

As summer approaches, some parents may be thinking about getting some educational software that may help their children prepare for next year's courses. Many teachers say that's a great idea, but if you're not careful you can buy software that can do more harm than good.

In Assignment: Education.. Some tips on buying software from a person who relies on the real "Experts" when choosing items for Pinellas County Schools.

These students at Perkins Elementary in St. Petersburg have a pretty neat job. They make up a student focus group, which tests educational software for the Pinellas School District's Software Evaluation Committee.

--[Ann Smith says:] "They're pretty good. They're pretty harsh on the software. You know, someday.. well, I thought well that we'll be okay and they say oh no! It takees too long to get to the end of the activity or the game or the simulation."--

Ann Smith is the Technology Specialist at Perkins and is a member of the evaluation committee. She says the committee carefully selects software for the district, because some of what's out there is just plain wrong.

--[Smith says:] "In one particular piece of software that I can think of this year was grammer software. The grammar usage was incorrect."--

Smith also says they have found math software with wrong answers. That's why parents should pick educational software with care. Here are some tips. Go to a store that allows the previewing of software. Talk to other parents, and teachers. Check out websites and magazines that evaluate software Don't be drawn in by glossy packaging. And most importantly... make sure it's age appropriate. Remember.. any educational software that frustrates.. complicates learning.

--[Student Amber Allen says:] "And we had it going, but then we had to shut it down because of what the little thing was and we can't get the arrow so when we shut it down, we can't get it anymore."--

Which is something you don't want your child to say, when you bring home new software. Bill Ratliff, Newschannel eight.

And here are two more reminders when buying education software. Make sure you know what you want.. a learning program or a reference program. And whatever you buy.. make sure it can run on your computer.

This article was brought to you
straight from the desk of

in the Newsroom of