Microsoft Homework Tools

Microsoft Homework Tools offers a wide range of applications to provide for learning according to the directed model, yet still it allows students to discover on their own. These tools are named Math tools, Foreign Language tools and Search tools. It is well known that the directed approach supports tutorials, automacity and self-paced learning. It is also known that the constructivist approach allows autonomy in learning. In knowing these things, it is seen that this package follows both models.
1. Math Tools: these tools consist of Microsoft Math and Math Concepts Explained.
Microsoft Math: this tool allows students to follow logical steps that enable them to solve problems, evaluate expressions and plot equations & graphs. There are other tools that help with formulae and equations from different subject areas, triangle problems and unit conversions. There is even a tool allowing a student to enter homework problems, showing steps to do it successfully. Here is a link to YouTube which shows it in use: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyYacuhyPXw
Math Concepts Explained: this tool contains brief, easy-to-understand tutorials that cover the basic to complex concepts found in Mathematics. These tutorials cover everything from Decimal to Statistical concepts, as well as everything in between.

2. Foreign Language Tools: these tools consist of four languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian), Web Links and World Languages Interactivity.
Language tools: these tools allow students to see and hear the translations of words from English to any of the four previously listed languages, as well as how to conjugate the verbs. It also allows the user to visit websites that help the user to learn these languages. For English, French and German, there are also templates that give help to students of these languages.
Web Links: this tool allows the students to find resources that pertain to the four aforementioned languages, as well as resources for Latin and Japanese. Here is one of the listed links for Latin (http://encartaupdate.msn.com/teleport/teleport.aspx?Lang=A&Year=2009&tname=weblinks&ty=chk&ud=701722253&ca=1024&vs=2009), and one for Japanese language resources (http://encartaupdate.msn.com/teleport/teleport.aspx?Lang=A&Year=2009&tname=weblinks&ty=chk&ud=701722252&ca=1024&vs=2009).
World Languages Interactivity: this tool allows students to compare languages within defined regions. A map is presented to the user, where they may choose any region and compare greetings, farewells, proverbs and the like.

3. Search Tools: this tool allows student to quick-search any of the following topics found anywhere in Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2009:
Ø Articles, Time lines and Archives
Ø Photos and Interactive media
Ø Maps
Ø Quotations and Authors
Ø Definitions
Ø Synonyms and Antonyms

The next blog would cover Project Tools in detail.

Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2009 is full of tools that cater to the needs of those who may or may not attend school. Those who are of adult age, teenage, or even those of the K-12 age-range may use it.
It components include:
· Homework- this consists of Math Tools, Foreign Language Tools as well as Search Tools. Each of these tools is further subdivided into other categories that are designed to help students complete their assignments, as well as ensuring that they understand the concepts behind them.
· Projects- this consists of a variety of tools that help students to write reports, create charts and graphs as well as other presentations that become necessary during the course of the semester. They contain templates, tutorials and other resources to prepare those praiseworthy assignments.
· Discover & Learn- firstly, Explore Encarta by Subject includes a variety of topics that allow for researching a wide range of subjects such as History and Science & Nature. Secondly, it sports a college and career application that helps the student choose a college, career and provides a way to continue one’s education online. Its last component provides a fun element to learning, and it covers a large array of topics as well.
· Encarta Kids- while the above elements are solely focused on the “old people”, this component is wholly devoted to the children. Its purpose is to make learning as enjoyable as possible for they who would later shape the world.
For additional information, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/education/products/buy.aspx or www.microsoft.com/learningspace/
The next couple blogs would cover each of these components in detail.