Software Resources

Title: Tutpup
Grade/Age: K-8/4-8
Subject Area: Math/Spelling
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this site by doing a Google search for educational software downloads. I clicked on the first link on the page which took me to Educational Freeware. I could choose from many different subjects, online games, downloads, references, links and more. I chose online from the top column. Tutpup.com was one of the first starred sites for kids from ages 5-14. This site allows kids to play math and spelling games. Students can choose different levels depending on their skills. They can also choose to be timed or play against opponents. The downfall is in the spelling game that I played, the word spoken that I had to spell sometimes sounded different than the correct word. Feedback was given during the game and at the end of the round so you knew what words were spelled correctly and what mistakes were made if any. Headphones may be needed if a student is playing in the classroom where others might be distracted by the sound. Students can play against others around the world or those in their own classroom. In fact a flag comes up next to your player to show what country you are playing in. These learning games can also be played from a computer at home. To join is free and easy. I liked the fact that no advertisements were shown on this site.

Title: Google Earth
Grade/Age: K-adult
Subject Area: Science/Geography
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this site by doing a Google search for educational software downloads. This site was the 6th one on the list that came up on my google search. I clicked on the Educational Software box in the left hand column and most popular in the top column. This is a fantastic free software download that can be utilized in so many different ways to teach science and geography. It can be used to teach location of city, state, country, or continents. Satellite imagery, maps and 3D terrain are some of the highlights of this software. In the newer version 5, Mars can be viewed, historical earth maps are available and ocean exploration can take place . This is interactive software that the students and teachers will love to use in the classroom and at home. This software can also be utilized by the whole family at home. Again I liked the fact that not many distracting advertisements were on this page.

Title: Ten thumbs typing tutor
Grade/Age: K-adult
Subject area: Typing/Keyboarding
Platform: Both Mac/PC
Review: I found this download on the same site I found Google Earth and I thought it was pretty cool. Technology keeps advancing and students are using computers to do more and more at younger ages. It is important they learn good keyboarding skills at an early age. This software teaches highly effective touch typing. A personal tutor works with you. If you like listening to music you can use itunes to type along with and increase skill levels as you progress, of course this part would have to be used in a home setting. On this particular site it shows the download for the Mac because that is what I had chosen, but I saw free downloads on other sites for a PC. This download was free for 10 days and then cost $25.95 to purchase. It was an editor's pick on this site. Two limitations of this software is the keyboard shown is 1/3rd the size of a full keyboard and the setup can be tricky for younger ages. Once the initial setup is done the fun begins with teaching finger placement or by selecting your skill level. Students can then choose from lessons or games. A viking tutor is there to assist you during the process. Headphones may be needed if used in class as not to distract others.

I learned a lot about searching google for software through this assignment. I hope you enjoy the software choices above.