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Educational Software

Page has been link checked and updated where necessary
A-Prompt Version 1.0.6.0 checked. WAI level 'double A'D

  • Notes :
  • A section has now been included covering Teacher/administrative usage.
  • As of this update, only Freeware products have been chosen for inclusion. These will be varied as time goes on with quality programs either added to, or replacing, those previously listed;
  • For commercial products, you are directed to the company listings provided as part of the general information section or to commercial offerings in stores, newspapers and magazines. In some cases, previously listed software [e.g. Special Education] has been added to the relevant Teaching Resources pages;
  • Software relevant to other languages has been included on the various Other Language pages;
  • Software relevant to tertiary studies has been included on the various tertiary subject pages;
  • Products are listed under Early Learning, Primary or Secondary levels, or for All Levels. Where none have presently been found or are relevant, no section is included;
  • As software is removed from this page, it will be placed in an Educational Software Archive to allow for continuing access.

Cross Curricula

  1. All Levels :
    • Educational Freeware
      ‘Dedicated to listings, descriptions and reviews of the best Free educational software for Windows, both web based and downloadable.’
    • jMemorize
      ‘jMemorize is a Java application that manages your flashcards by the famous Leitner system and makes memorizing facts not only more efficient but also more fun. It manages your whole learning progress and features categories, statistics and a visually appealing and intuitive interface.’
    • Panopreter
      ‘Panopreter reads text files, word documents and web pages in .htm format. Panopreter converts the files into audio files with the format of wave and MP3, so you can hear your files with your audio media player.’
    • The Mnemosyne Project
      ‘The Mnemosyne software resembles a traditional flash-card program to help you memorise question/answer pairs, but with an important twist : it uses a sophisticated algorithm to schedule the best time for a card to come up for review. Difficult cards that you tend to forget quickly will be scheduled more often, while Mnemosyne won’t waste your time on things you remember well. The software runs on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X.’
  2. Early Learning :
    • Baby Smash !
      ‘As babies smash on the keyboard, colored shapes, letters and numbers appear on the screen. Baby Smash will lock out the Windows Key, as well as Ctrl-Esc and Alt-Tab so your baby can’t get out of the application.’ For the very young !
    • Childsplay
      ‘A suite of educational games for young children. GNU-GPL licensed.’ Check program requirements on the home page.
    • Kelsea’s Classroom
      ‘Designed to help children to improve their computer skills while learning Math and English. The program uses nine different activity screens.’
  3. Primary & Secondary :
    • MegaCrammer
      ‘MegaCrammer allows users to create personalized tests to suit their specific needs. After easily entering the material into MegaCrammer, the program creates a unique test that automatically varies each time it is taken. MegaCrammer can be used to study vocabulary, foreign languages, history, science, or any other subject in a student’s studies.’
    • RAM 4 : Reading Acceleration Machine
      ‘A small Freeware device for presenting word-groups sequentially at a pace chosen by the user. It is a tachistoscope [“rapid-viewer”] that supports efficient and rhythmic reading, rehearsal of text-comprehension, and acceleration in reading speed.’
    • Research It
      ‘A little program designed to help students [and teachers] complete their research online.’
  4. Secondary :
    • 3D Topicscape Student Edition
      ‘3D Topicscape SE lets you organize your notes, preparations for term papers, web research findings and your reference information in a very new way : in 3D. You choose the topic names and organization and you can easily re-organize as new information comes to hand or new ideas develop. You drag files and information onto topics, and connect topics yourself, so they will reflect your own way of thinking when you go back later to find them.’ Free
    • Anki
      ‘Anki is a program designed to help you remember facts [such as words and phrases in a foreign language] as easily, quickly and efficiently as possible. To do this, it tracks how well you remember each fact, and uses that information to optimally schedule review times. Anki is based on a theory called spaced repetition. In simple terms, it means that each time you review some material, you should wait longer than last time before reviewing it again.’

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Health, PE & Sport

  1. Primary & Secondary :
    • Advanced Team Scheduler [Splendid City]
      ‘A Free, easy-to-use, full-featured league and tournament sports scheduling software system.’ Available for Mac, Windows and Linux.
    • Health Browser
      ‘A health themed web browser that delivers easy navigation to health related websites, world health news and information, health topics, and more.’ Scroll down to find this on the page.

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Language

  1. Early Learning :
    • Learn Letters
      ‘Teaches children to know and make the 26 letters of the alphabet’. Also has links to Letter Sounds and Letter Sounds 2 - Blends.
    • TurboFarm
      ‘A simple educational flash card game about farm animals.’ You can adjust the number of clues, one of several languages and more. There is positive feedback and statistical information at the end of the session.
  2. Primary :
    • Junior Spelling Tutor
      A multi-unit program, with only the first unit Free. Minimal cost for further units. A ‘Talking’ program. Similar programs also listed.
    • Word Dummy 4.0
      ‘Word Searches game application for teaching children English vocabulary through word building. … has a large database of English words built in to make the word games a challenging experience. Full Audio-Visual and Multimedia features.’
  3. Primary & Secondary :

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Mathematics

  1. Calculators :
    • Expression Calculator
      ‘A calculator program in which you type out the expression rather than hitting buttons. Easier to use and faster than the calculator that comes with Windows. For instance, you can type in something like [pi*12/4+3ˆ(5-2)+3*(2-(6-3)*pi)], then hit enter, and it will produce the answer.’
    • GraphCalc
      ‘An all-in-one solution to everything from everyday arithmetic to statistical analysis, from betas to Booleans, from cubes to calculus, from decimals to derivatives.’
  2. Converters :
    • Convert for Windows
      A brilliant converter.
    • Das Unit Converter
      ‘An easy-to-use Freeware program that can handle virtually all of your unit conversion needs. With over 1 850 units, over 80 categories, and with the ability to add more [units and categories], you may never need to use an online converter or a search engine for unit conversions ever again !’
  3. Early Learning :
    • Basic Facts Worksheet Factory
      ‘The Free Basic Facts Worksheet Factory can generate worksheets that will provide students with the practice they need to become proficient in the basic math operations. You can easily create unlimited customized worksheets for the practice of arithmetic facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.’
    • Talking Math Tutor
      ‘The program Talks and Works with the student one on one’.
  4. Primary :
    • 2 + 2
      ‘A program aimed to help children’s education in the area of basic mathematical skills.’
      Well presented.
    • Breaktru Fractions N Decimals
      ‘Two programs in one. One that can Add, Subtract, Divide and Multiply fractions and another that can convert a decimal to a fraction or a fraction to a decimal. It’s a breeze with “Fractions”.’ Note : this is shareware.
    • Geometry Master 3.0
      ‘A Geometry Help software that enhances Geometrical, Spatial and Drawing skills using geometry drawing tools on the computer screen.’
    • Graph Maker
      Make simple bar, line and pie graphs.
  5. Primary & Secondary :
    • Digi Graph
      ‘Digi Graph is digital graph paper, allowing you to draw on graph paper on screen, and save and print your drawings.’
    • Jamit Fractions
      ‘Available online for Free ! Jamit Fractions contains 10 topics, with a lesson and practice game for each topic, and a Big Test at the end.’ Also now as a download from here.
  6. Secondary :
    • Archim
      ‘A program for drawing the graphs of all kinds of functions. You can define a graph explicitly and parametrically, in polar and spherical coordinates, on a plane and in space [surface].’
    • KwikTrig
      ‘Solve your trigonometry and geometry problems. With a graphical display of the solution, you can easily spot any error in your calculation.’
    • Z-Plot
      ‘Z-Plot is a Free software program that allows you to visualize a multitude of mathematical functions and curves. The software has a powerful mathematical formula interpreter, that also allows the user to handle complex numbers easily. The display can be switched from 2D to 3D mode. Additionally, diagrams can be made from data tables.’

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Science

  1. Primary & Secondary :
    2.
  2. Secondary :
    • ACD/ChemSketch 8.0
      ‘A chemically intelligent drawing interface that provides a portal to an entire range of analytical tools …’ Check about Free licences to academic institutions.
    • Light and Matter
      Downloadable introductory Physics textbooks.
      Highly Recommended !
    • Periodic Table Software :
      • Lenntech Periodic Table
        ‘Each chemical element contains a link to a page that explains its chemical properties, health effects, environmental effects, application data, an image and also information of the history/inventor of each element. Choose elements by name, by atomic number, by symbol [or] by mass.’
        Highly Recommended !
      • Periodic Table Classic
        ‘The application contains all the elements of the Periodic Table along with images of the elements in their natural state, as well as lots of other information and interactive displays. The periodic table now comes in three versions. They all contain the same amount of information.’ Vary from 7mb to 16mb in size for downloading.
        Exceptional !
      • Periodic Table Quiz
        ‘Contains 600 questions designed to test your knowledge of the Periodic Table; the elements and thier properties. Many different styles of question on a variety of different topics. Includes picture questions !’ Still in BETA mode.
    • Virtual Lab
      Includes virtual scanning, sample library, tutorials, movies. From NASA.

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Social Sciences

  1. Primary & Secondary :
    • Google Earth
      ‘A globe that sits inside your PC. You point and zoom to anyplace on the planet that you want to explore.’
    • Seterra
      ‘A challenging geography program with 70 different exercises. Learn about countries, capitals, flags and cities.’
  2. Secondary :
    • GenesisIV
      ‘Is the only landscape product designed specifically to help teach geographical concepts.’ Other versions as well as Freeware.
    • MapCreator
      ‘Create physical maps of a very high quality. Physical maps emphasize the natural features of the earth’s surface [mountains and valleys, vegetation, water …].’

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Special Education

  1. All Levels :
    • Audio eBook Maker
      Scroll down the page to the Free section to find this. It allows you to create audio books [into MP3 if desired] from plain text. Includes a CD writer if needed. Also provides links to other voices than normally come with XP or Vista.
    • Click-N-Type
      ‘An on-screen virtual keyboard designed for anyone with a disability that prevents him or her from typing on a physical computer keyboard. As long as the person can control a mouse, trackball or other pointing device, he or she can send keystrokes to virtually any Windows application.’
    • Express Scribe
      ‘Express Scribe is professional audio player software for PC or Mac designed to assist the transcription of audio recordings. It is installed on the typist’s computer and controlled using the keyboard [with ‘hot’ keys] and/or can be used with a transcription pedal.’
    • HearPC
      ‘HearPC is a simple program that lets you hear anything you type. Just type something into the box [as much as you want] and then click the Speak! button and that’s it.’
    • Numbaz
      ‘Have you ever heard of a calculator that speaks ? It’s the only basic calculator with these great features.’
    • NVDA
      ‘NVDA is a Free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows Operating System. This software can enable blind or vision impaired people to access computers running Windows, for no more cost than a sighted person.’
    • TransScriber
      ‘TransScriber is a small tool for playing back a sound file while you type the words spoken into your favourite text editor, like Microsoft Word. TransScriber can play sound files in a number of formats and lets you control the speed, pause, create bookmarks and navigate around the timeline of your interview, all while you are using your word processor in full screen.’
    • Zoom Tool
      ‘Much more than a simple magnifier. It has a Desktop Mode where the viewport is updated with whatever is underneath the mouse pointer.’
  2. Primary & Secondary :
    • Perky Duck Brailler Emulator
    • TextRecorder
      A ‘program which reads e-text aloud. It records either WAV or MP3 files which you can transfer to a portable player to listen to anywhere. TextRecorder is also for print-impaired students and the people who help them who cannot afford high-priced access technology.’

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Teacher, Classroom & Administration

  1. Primary & Secondary :
    • Daypo Online Tests
      ‘The Daypo program is designed to create, edit, print, save and publish online tests for e-learning. You can create your own tests to learn … . You have a lot of options to the tests : different amount of time to answer, sections, repeat until you have correct answer options, checks, arrows questions, previews, different points,’ [and more]. Download here, or create them online.
    • iTalc
      ‘iTALC is a powerful, didactical tool for teachers. It lets you view and control other computers in your network in several ways. It supports Linux and Windows 2000/XP/Vista. iTALC has been designed for usage in school. Therefore it offers a lot of possibilities to teachers, such as see what’s going on in computer labs by using overview mode, remote-control computers, show a demo [either in fullscreen or in a window] - the teacher’s screen is shown on all student’s computers in realtime, lock workstations, send text-messages to students, remote logon and logoff and homeschooling’ to name a few.
    • PrintersBench Express
      ‘The PrintersBench Express [Freeware] workbench environment uses drag and drop controls for easy design and printing of event tickets, raffle tickets, forms, labels, or any document that requires serial numbers’. Can be very slow to load.
    • Quizzing and Testing Tools
      ‘These tools support the development of quizzes, tests and online assessments.’ Note that not all of the tools are Free.
    • Studeous
      Free. Teachers can create a ‘class page’, to which others including students can be given access, providing a community that ‘connects students, teachers & schools’.
    • TeamLeader 2008
      ‘This full featured team management and collaboration software makes it easy to manage people, tasks and documents from your desktop. Use it to track ho’s doing what, communicate with other team members, share documents, track due dates, manage file versions, manage contacts, route forms, and other teamwork activities.’
    • Totwise
      ‘Your source for preschool software and daycare management software.’
      Highly Recommended !
    • Word Finder
      ‘Create and print your own Word Finder puzzles. Add as many words as you like, preview the puzzle before adding the random letters, save your puzzle and print it out. Open your saved puzzle in Notepad or any other text editor and it will print out two sheets, one with the words and puzzle and one with the answers.’
  2. Secondary :
    • Claroline
      ‘Claroline is an Open Source eLearning and eWorking platform allowing teachers to build effective online courses and to manage learning and collaborative activities on the web.’
    • Class Scheduling Software
      ‘Offers both simplicity and comprehensive results. Scheduling Plus is the easiest and most reliable scheduling software on the market. Additionally, your school can easily and quickly make schedules available online for parents and students using our school web centre. Our PDA module lets schools put schedules on mobile devices so staff members can access student schedules anywhere on campus.’ Be aware this is a Fee-based software.
    • FET
      ‘FET is open source Free software for automatically scheduling the timetable of a school, high-school or university. It uses a fast and efficient timetabling algorithm. It is licensed under GNU/GPL.’
    • TCExam
      ‘Is an Open Source Web-based software to generate and manage online tests and exams.’
    • TS School
      [The Free School Administration Software Application]
      ‘More than just a student information system [SIS], TS School is designed for the management and development of your school staff and learners.’ A vast range of information can be incorporated.

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Technology & Applied Studies

  1. Early Learning :
    • Desktop Writer for Kids
      ‘A word processor designed for both children and novice computer users. Even though it is designed for children it has many unique and powerful features … This program is perfect for people who are novices to computers or who have learning difficulties because it has colourful buttons and large text.’ Also suitable for Early Learning students. Scroll almost to the bottom of this collection.
    • JRainWords
      ‘JRainWords is a Java program useful in teaching children how to use a computer keyboard. It works with Linux, Windows and with every other platform supported by the SUN Java 2 Virtual Machine 1.4.0. JRainWords 0.3 includes the FreeTTS speech synthesizer.’
  2. Primary & Secondary :
    • BASIC-256
      ‘BASIC-256 is an easy to use version of BASIC designed to teach young children the basics of computer programming. It uses traditional control structures like gosub, for/next, and goto, which helps kids easily see how program flow-control works. It has a built-in graphics mode which lets them draw pictures on screen in minutes, and a set of detailed, easy-to-follow tutorials.’
    • keybr
      Play to improve your typing speed. Multiple options, including languages and keyboard layouts.
    • Morse Machine
      ‘Morse Machine teaches you Morse code by sending a character and waiting for you to type what you heard on the keyboard. The program grades your score and adds new characters when it sees that you are ready. It focuses on the characters you get wrong, so you don't waste time on those you know.’
    • MSW Logo
      Includes Setup, tutorial and more. There are also versions in a range of other languages. To see what can be done using 15 words or less in programming, go to Logo 15-word challenge. You will be truly amazed.
  3. Secondary :
    • Atanua
      ‘Atanua is a real-time logic simulator, designed to help in learning of basic boolean logic and electronics. It uses OpenGL hardware-accelerated rendering and a custom UI designed for a fast workflow and a very low learning curve, letting the students concentrate on learning the subject instead of spending time learning the tool.’
    • EasyDraw
      ‘An interactive tutorial ideal for beginning AutoCAD users, adopting an easy-to-understand step-by-step approach yet with enough depth to help you master AutoCAD at your own pace and in record time.’
    • Quickroute
      ‘Quickroute 4 is an integrated electronic design system for professional engineers, hobbyists and education. It combines schematic design and capture, mixed mode [analogue and digital] simulation, and PCB design with autorouting and CADCAM support.’
    • Unit
      ‘Units ! makes unit conversion easy. As if that were not enough, Units ! converts currencies as well - with daily currency updates.’ 36 different measurements are included.

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The Arts

  1. Early Learning :
    • Music Games
      ‘A collection of early learning musical activities, ideal for [Key] Stage 1. Windows and Mac versions. Documentation available separately.’
    • Toddle Draw
      ‘Toddle Draw is a speaking, drawing and typing program for babies, toddlers, and preschool children that teaches the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colours.’
  2. Primary :
    • ABC Drawing School [Light]
      ‘A simple to use software providing lessons for drawing.’
    • Recorder Buddy
      ‘Written to help you learn to play the recorder. It teaches you both the correct fingering for each note and to read music through drills.’
    • Sketch Studio
      ‘Sketch Studio is a drawing program designed to teach children how to draw on the computer. It has a simple interface, a limited number of brush options and is easy to learn. Display your drawing as your screen saver. Use clip art as colouring pages like those found in a colouring book. One of the best features is the built-in drawing lessons.’
  3. Primary & Secondary :
    • Artweaver
      ‘Artweaver is a Windows Freeware program to simulate natural brush tools. Artweaver offers you a clear program window, which can be used without training immediately.’
    • Metronome Plus
      ‘A metronome for musicians and other people. Metronome Plus comes with additional features : A program editor for variable tempo and repeats, beats and tempo-increment or decrement. Tempo and beat visualization in windowed mode or in fullscreenmode.’
    • Mutopia
      ‘All music in the Mutopia Project is Free to download, print out, perform and distribute. There are now 541 pieces of music’.
    • Nancy’s Piano
      ‘Aimed at the “brand new” student of the piano. Make practicing the keys and the notes a treat and speed-up that learning curve. There are three modes of practice.’
    • Pencil
      ‘Pencil is an animation/drawing software for Mac OS X and Windows. It lets you create traditional hand-drawn animation [cartoon] using both bitmap and vector graphics. Pencil is Free and open source.’
  4. Secondary :
    • Canorus
      ‘Canorus is a Free music score editor. It supports note writing, scripting support, import/export of various file formats, MIDI input and output and more ! Note that Canorus is still in early stage of development and not nearly all the features are implemented yet ! ’
    • GuitarTrainer®
      ‘GuitarTrainer PC and GuitarTrainer CE interactive software teaches sight-reading for the guitarist and bass guitarist. It rapidly drills you until the note and its position on the fret board becomes instinct.’
    • TuxGuitar
      ‘With TuxGuitar, you will be able to compose music.’ Includes tablature editor, score viewer, note duration management, time signature management and tempo management, just to name a few components.

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General Information

  1. Reviews & Recommendations :
    • Catalog of Free and Open Source Software for Education
      ‘OSV has prepared the following report for the primary and secondary education sector. Within it, we have researched and provided a synopsis on a range of software which we believe will be beneficial to educators and students. We have also included a large list of other open source applications.’ Done by Open Source Victoria. 13mb .pdf download.
    • Computing With Kids
      Details of recommended software for early learning, much in game format.
    • Computer Museum, The
      No, not an old computer collection, but it will tell you about Reading software.
    • K12 Open Source
      Not only a listing of ‘back-office’ software but also software for use in classrooms. In addition, there is information on resources, lesson plans and more.
    • Maths Shareware and Freeware [for PC & Mac]
      Check what is available and whether they are of use. Some are very specifically tasked.
    • Superkids
      An educational software review site, that does reviews, has bestseller lists and product support. Also has worksheets, games, ‘brain food’ and a reading corner.
  2. Other Worthwhile Information :
    • Eduforge
      ‘Eduforge is an open access environment designed for the sharing of ideas, research outcomes, open content and open source software for education. You are welcome to use our community resources or start your own project space. Registration is Free.
      Check their Toolbox for programs and other tools.’
    • Schools Interoperability Framework Association
      ‘The Schools Interoperability Framework Association’s [SIFA] vision [ ] is that schools will be enabled to better utilize technology in a manner that leverages the promise and capabilities of interoperability between disparate applications. SIFA brings together the developers and vendors of school technology with the federal, state and local educators who use that technology.’
  3. Publishers of Computerised Learning Materials
    Includes the following. Some have titles listed above.

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