Evaluation of Software #3:Microsoft Student Encarta kids 2008

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Student-Encarta-Premium-2008/dp/B000Q6ZK3A

Microsoft Student Encarta kids 2008

Figure 1
Product Features
• A full set of study aids that help get homework done right the first time
• Students can find trusted and up-to-date information quickly and easily using Encarta Premium 2008
• Mathematical tools help students tackle math and science problems quickly and easily
• Tools for completing foreign language assignments and a full-featured dictionary to help translate and conjugate
• Includes more than 1,000 book summaries that help students understand some of the most commonly studied literary works
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Microsoft Student includes a wide range of tools and resources for students. Encarta kids are specifically for ages seven years and up. All information is just one click away. This software is quite attractive and brightly colored which makes it quite appropriate for the age group. Parents do not have to be there for kids to use this software, as it is very simple to use, however there is an area for parental control.
According to Jerome Bruner, Discovery Learning uses Cognitive psychology as a base. Discovery learning is "an approach to instruction through which students interact with their environment-by exploring and manipulating objects, wrestling with questions and controversies, or performing experiments" (Ormrod, 1995, p. 442) The idea is that students are more likely to remember concepts they discover on their own. Teachers have found that discovery learning is most successful when students have prerequisite knowledge and undergo some structured experiences. (Roblyer, Edwards, and Havriluk, 1997, p 68). Modern technology can now provide Simulations are another area where computer technology can support children's learning. (http://copland.udel.edu/~jconway/EDST666.htm)

Microsoft student has many subjects areas: which includes; History, Science, Reading, Writing and many others. This software is indeed an all inclusive package. It includes templates and tutorials to assist the child to understand the topic. In addition, Microsoft Encarta Kids helps students with homework and encourages them to learn in a fun and appealing way. Encarta provides encyclopedia articles, photos and illustrations, videos and animations, audio, maps, and Web links.

There is also an Encarta search bar that allows easy access to the content you require. There are also games in Microsoft Student, therefore when the child is tired doing Home Work, he can go to a game of his choice, that is fun and educational as well. There are also navigation keys for: world Atlas, panoramas and tours and timeline. This is used to explore maps, do virtual tours and view 3D sites.

Encarta Dictionaries are very helpful to the students as it allows to easily find definitions of words by simply typing the word in the search engine. There is also an option to double click on words to find the meaning in seconds. The additional dictionary tools include: thesaurus, translation and verb conjugation.

I would recommend Microsoft students for all parents and teachers to install for their children. It is in fact software of modern day with modern technology, tools and information readily available.