The Education World Tech Team shares its picks of the best software programs for classroom use. In this article, our experts reveal their choices for curriculum software. Don't miss the rest of this multi-part Ed World series: Load 'Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World!
Curriculum software contains games and activities that relate to specific educational content. Many come with teacher guides and supplementary print- or Web-based lessons. Surprisingly, only a few old stand-bys were recommended in this category. It isn't clear whether that's because little quality software is being produced -- or because little new software is being purchased for classroom use. All the recommended programs were praised for their high quality, and we were tempted to award a "gold star" to all of them. We decided, however, to award it to Zoombinis Logical Journey because of the sheer enthusiasm of its fans!
Of the programs recommended in this category, Reader Rabbit is available only for Windows. All other software is available for both Windows and Macintosh.
The Gold Star rating was determined by considering each program's total score along with the number of recommendations submitted for the program and the tenor of reviewers' comments about it.
* based on results from a single evaluator
Add Your Vote!
The reviews and recommendations in this article represent the opinions of only our Tech Team experts. If you would like to add your rating to theirs, or if you want to rate and review another productivity program's suitability for classroom use, e-mail me at lstarr@educationworld.com.
WHAT THEY SAID
The Best Software in the Education World!
Click a category below to learn which software programs our Tech Team members recommended and how they rated the quality, performance, and usefulness of each!
"Kids in upper elementary grades love Zoombinis Logical Journey because they really have to think to complete their journey," according to Libby Adams. "The old standby Oregon Trail, with the addition of Writing Along the Oregon Trail, is also a good curriculum match for fourth and fifth graders."
"Reader Rabbit, available in several age-level versions, is a favorite of
elementary students -- and an enjoyable way to practice those very important
reading skills," added Mary Kreul.
