There are six types of Software Support Tools which Include:

• Materials Generators: Help teachers and students produce instructional materials on paper and online.  An example of a Materials Generators includes whiteboard software.  This is an electronic version of a chalkboard that allows teachers to save notes onto their computer.  Since the software works though a computer you can also use the whiteboard software to replace an overhead projector
• Data Collection And Analysis Tools: Help teachers collect and organize information that indicates student progress.  One type of Data Collection and Analysis tool is and electronic gradebook.  Electronic gradebooks are used to keep track and to calculate a student's grades.
• Graphic Tools: Allow manipulation of images to illustrate documents and web pages.  One type of Graphic Tools would be clip art.  Some form of clip art is available on most computers and it gives the user the ability to create drawings, cartoons, and edit photos among other things.
• Planning and Organizing Tools: Help teachers and students conceptualize, organize, and communicate their ideas.  There are several different types of Planning and Organizing tools.  These include organizing tools, concept mapping software, lesson planning software, and time management tools.  Concept map tools are visual outlines of ideas that can by used in lieu of verbal instructions
• Research and Reference Tools: Let students look up information in electronic versions of encyclopedias, atlases and dictionaries.  An electronic encyclopedia would allow students to research any topic.  An electronic dictionary would allow students to find definitions of words that may not be available in a paper dictionary.
• Content-area Tools: Support teaching and learning activities in various content areas.  A GPS can be used in a science class when talking about plate tectonics.  There are GPSs that we can check online to see how much the plates have moved over a certain period of time.