Foundation Phase

The emphasis is on software that can enhance basic concept development

• basic numeracy & literacy
• word recognition, word sequence, pattern , shape and states, directionality and laterality (relative position), classification

Very basic cognitive skills development is included in such software

• software will be engaging - its use would often be used as a reward
• the use of sound will enhance the chances of comprehension

The use of repetition will be a feature in such software - the software has infinite patience with the learner and keeps prompting the learner to retry.

Intermediate Phase

Learners are able to read faster and for longer. Basic information retrieval and information processing and presentation are practised mor. Use of educational software can support this. Applications such as the word processor, presentation tools and publishing tools are now used.

Learners are more involved with information retrieval, although the recommendation is that this experience should be directed (the educator or the software provides pre-selected content and guides the learner through it).

Basic concept devellopment continues in this phase, but software will focus on cognitive skills development such as problem solving, hypothesis, analysis, more complex sequencing, and recognition of processes.
Keyword searching in databases is also introduced.

Senior / FET Phase

The learners are expected to have increasingly well-developed information retrieval skills. FET learners can be expected to find and use web resources cost-effectively and with little direction from the educator.

Software should support and encourage the practice of higher order cognitive skills, and a high degree of interactivity and simluation is possible.

Applications are widely used to more advanced levels as production, information processing and presentation tools.

Summary of educational software use through the phases

Dominant Use Common Use Occasional Use