3.1.7 Software

It is important to know that simply having the hardware available to the students does not complete the equation. There is also a need for software. Software, as I've mentioned before, is the program that a computer runs. Things such as word processing, Internet access, and database programs are essential learning tools for students in today's school environment. These programs can be used for many purposes, and it is invaluable for students to be prepared in their use so that they can graduate and become productive members of society. This seems like a strong statement; however, there are few occupations now that require no computer knowledge, and there will be fewer still in the future. If we want to truly prepare individuals to become productive members of society, then we need to teach them about the technology that they will encounter every day. The software programs that I mentioned above vary in several key aspects. The most important thing to know about each program that you choose to install on your computer is the minimum requirements. Each program is designed to take up certain amounts of space on your hard drive, utilize set amounts of memory while running, and work in certain computer environments. These are the minimum requirements. If your computer does not have the proper hardware to run a program, it is useless to install that program. Always make sure that your computer has the minimum requirements before purchasing software.

	No Parrot Question
	Mrs. Hinton teaches a twelfth-grade English literature class in which she assigns weekly reports to her students. She requires these reports to be typed and in a certain format before she will grade them at all, and she offers assistance with the computers once a week for those of her students that are not very familiar with them. Why would her requiring her students' papers be typed and her assistance with operating the computers supplied to them in the labs at school be beneficial to them in the long run?	Answer Here