Educational Applications
Throughout years of education in the most resourceful ways possible we have found several techniques work for getting the necessary information to absorb. Many of them have nothing to do with computers, applications or even books or study guides. But, one of the most helpful resources we have been able to find is educational software. There are things that you can do with a computer program that can simplify, at minimum, your learning experience. This section will cover just that; educational software that works for you.
There are so many different types of software to sort through that this section may seem to be a bit unorganized, but to the contrary, it will be organized in a way that attempts to retain something for everyone. Instead of just listing all of the best mathematical applications today and the best medical programs next week, we will keep everything in this section educational, but not redundant in terms of topic of study or software.
Not all of the programs in this section will be Free or Open Source because there are so many great educational programs that do cost money. Although, they probably should, as some of them are very extensive and helpful, --tools you'll want to keep forever at that point. Some programs, of course, will be Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and we will do our best to clarify whether each product reviewed or described is FOSS or not.
Top Picks
Graph
This Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is one of the leading applications used and distributed by educators nationwide (at least). It allows any person to draw mathematical graphs with little or no program specific training like some of the other popular graphing programs.
WordWeb
WordWeb offers free or purchased editions. The free version offers many very functional features that will allow a user to find synonyms, antonyms, definitions and more. This does not just work in word processing programs, but in almost any program.
Celestia
Celestia is a live, space modelling application. It offers 3-Dimensional depictions of hundreds of thousands of stars and around ten thousand galaxies. This program Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) available with the easy accessibility to extend by adding objects or user created extensions.
Educational Software is an Invaluable Source for Any Do-It-Yourself Education!
Check out our latest reviews and updated "Top Picks" sections.
Latest Reviews
Graph - A User-Friendly Graphing Tool with High Functionality
This Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is one of the leading applications used and distributed by educators nationwide (at least). It allows any person to draw mathematical graphs with little or no program specific training like some of the other popular graphing programs. It has a very intuitive user interface that allows for the graphing of almost any function including 3-Dimensional and much much more.
The only downside of this application is that it is not as analytical as some of the other programs that are available currently. Again though, it is a FOSS solution to your graphing needs, so you have the accessibility to write in the code that you need to allow the program to suite your needs. If you are not the programming type (and don't want to learn) there is a forum where all things Graph can be discussed or suggested (Forum).
WordWeb - Dictionary, Thesaurus w/ Synonyms and Antonyms +
WordWeb is a very useful tool for looking up words from within almost any program running on your PC (or Mac). Although this is not FOSS, it does offer a very good free version as well as a feature-rich paid version. Both versions offer the dictionary tool, thesaurus tool (with synonyms and antonyms), as well as a word look-up tool.
This program would be very beneficial to anyone who does any amount of writing for personal, business or educational reasons. The user interface is very intuitive for anyone who is comfortable with an office suite that includes a word processing program. The only downside to this program is that it is not FOSS and is not worth the price for the extra features received. Although they are very interesting features such as pre-recorded voice annotations.
