Courseware
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Definition
There exist many definitions, some of which are not compatible. But usually, the difference is in scope.
More narrow view:
- Educational Software for mostly self-paced learning, e.g. based on programmed instruction or mastery learning
- Any sort of computer-based training software
Some people also would add these categories:
- Educational software designed for classroom use
- Computer-based learning software.
- Teaching Material that can be used for self-teaching
We (DSchneider) prefer the general vague definition:
- Courseware is technology-supported teaching and learning material
Finally, for some people courseware is almost analogous for educational technology or at least the non-human parts thereof:
- Programmed instruction (transfer of content proceeds step-by-step)
- Computer-based training (Drills and Tutorials) and e-learning
- Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction (ITS Tutorials)
- Computer-based learning (Simulations, Hypertext, microworlds)
- Intelligent learning environments (microworlds + electronic tutors, helpers, experts)
- Cognitive tools, e.g. Cognitive Learning Support Environments (e.g. hypertexts) or Knowledge Construction Environments
In this perspective, the learning material contains what has to be learned in a very broad sense (e.g. knowing what, knowing how). It can be computational in various ways (exploratory hypertext, lesson and task oriented hypertext, simulation software, task solving environments, etc.)\