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 reference software. Don't miss the rest of this multi-part Ed World series: Load 'Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World!
Reference software includes such common reference tools as dictionaries and encyclopedias. Most of the recommended programs are available on CD or online for an annual fee. Online versions allow frequent updating of information.
No clear winner appeared in this category; most of our tech team members indicated that they simply used whatever was available -- or nothing at all -- and had no preference for one over another. Because of a clear lack of enthusiasm for any one program, we didn't thinkwe had enough information to award a program the "gold star." We'd love to hear your thoughts, however!
In this category, Encarta and Compton's are available only for Windows. Grolier's and World Book are 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!
Name:Grolier Encyclopedia Manufacturer:Grolier Available Platforms: Macintosh, Windows Approximate Price: Contact Grolier for pricing Grade Level: 4-12, adult
Name:World Book Online Manufacturer:World Book Available Platforms: Windows, Macintosh Approximate Price: $49.95 (annual subscription) Grade Level: 4-12, adult
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.
