Learning Software

Learning software includes programs that teach people to use other programs, programs to teach skills, and software that makes learning and school easier. A variety of websites offer free programs to download, while others offer games and activities that can be played online without a download to your computer. With the huge variety of learning software available, reviews from software users become important for those with limited time to research on their own; hence, we have included the top educational software review site in our list of online resources.

A new program by Microsoft features software giveaways to students in the field of technology. While not your typical 'learning software' program, the Dreamspark program gives a leg up to bright and precocious computer science students everywhere.

Reviewed Sites

Microsoft Dreamspark Program: downloads.channel8.msdn.com

Microsoft is giving away free to students versions of its new programs. These can be accessed at the above web address. Channel 8 is a student portal into the inner workings of Microsoft, and is a must-visit site for those interested in computer programming and software development.

OWL and MOUSE Educational Online Training: www.yourchildlearns.com

The Owl and Mouse website has many online games for learning the alphabet, geography and history. It is also an interesting site because it has many worksheets and tutorials about medieval history.

Free Educational Online Training: www.download.com

Download.com has free software available for download for windows and mac computers. Math, science, English and reading resources are all available. All programs are certified virus-free. The site is a division of CNET, a web network devoted to bringing the latest technology news and information to the public for free.

The Video Professor: www.videoprofessor.com

The Video Professor is a top supplier of computer tutorials. Their offerings include lessons on using Photoshop, Powerpoint, Access, MS Word and more. While they do offer a free trial, the Video Professor's products are very much a paid product, and it is good to enter into the procurement of their services with the mindset that you will pay for them. The company has been around for many years and has avid followers.

Superkids Educational Online Training Reviews: www.superkids.com

Superkids is a third party educational software review firm. Superkids offers reviews of software for learning English, Math, Science, Art, languages and more. They do not accept paid advertising from the software they review. Teams of reviewers are composed of parents, children, teachers and educational professionals from around the world. The website also offers many free activities and resources.

Tips for Success

1. Before purchasing any software, read reviews and weigh the pros and cons to ensure that you are purchasing a product that is right for you.
2. Before downloading software from the internet to your computer, ensure that your virus protection is up to date and that the website from which you are downloading has an anti-virus certification.
3. Learning software is meant to aid in reading, math and other skill development, but cannot replace pen-to-paper, eyes-to-page learning.
4. Look for software that has free updates and online memberships included in the price.
5. Parents must carefully monitor use of online software and sites by their children.