Contributed by Sara Shea, Catalogs.com Info Guru

In the old days, students learned new educational material from books. And, as the old timers say, students also walked ten miles to school in the snow, up hill, both ways. Thankfully, the world is much different today.

Students can avoid the snow altogether by logging into online classrooms. And, when it comes to learning new skills and materials, students have the advantage of utilizing study software packages that facilitate the interaction between human beings and computers.

Today, thousands of unique Study software packages provide state-of-the-art technology to assist students in learning skills such as math, science, literature, language, music and history. Many professionals also benefit from study software packages that can help to train them in niche areas thereby advancing their careers in the fields of architecture, graphic design, engineering, and even the medical industry.

Here are our top ten study software packages:

10. Reading and Comprehension

Whether you are a professional interested in improving your reading strategies, a parent looking for quality guided reading material for your children or a student keen to improve reading comprehension and retention – software offers something for everyone. Marketed to both adults and children, study software is ranked as one of the top ten reading programs of the year.

9. Anatomy: The Integral Anatomy Series

Medical students at any level will benefit from the study software packages and DVD sets offered by The Integral Anatomy Series. Each volume presents the anatomy of human form, layer by layer, from an integral, whole body perspective, documenting tissues and dissection perspectives missing from the traditional anatomical texts and videos.

8. American History and World History: Sheppard Software

Sheppard software is an award winning company excelling in the production of educational games and software for very young children. American History and World History packages are two of their top selling educational software packages.

7. Test Prep Study Software: The College Board

Many Test Prep packages are now moving online, and into software packages. Students who plan on taking the SAT test and applying to college will want to consider purchasing study software or online practice tests from The College Board, the organization that actually administers the SATs.

6. Art, Graphic Design and Web: Adobe

Graphic Design, web design and computer animation are becoming increasingly popular career choices for creative students with an eye for art and design. If you are entering the professional world, get a jump start by investing in graphic design software packages that offer educational tutorials. If you are seeking the latest version of graphic design software, Adobe software is where its at. The latest versions of celebrated Adobe products include Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5, Adobe Premier Pro CS5, Flash CS5, Dreamweaver CS5, Contribute CS5 and Adobe CS5 AfterEffects.

5. Geography: National Geographic Packages

Let your students experience the many facets of world geography with these outstanding multimedia program and software packages. Play geography games, test your IQ with the GeoBee, or order CD-ROMS with everything you need to expand your classroom.

4. Study Skills and Organization: The Inspiration Software Company

When it comes to note taking, visual mapping, outlining, writing, brainstorming, visually structuring and communicating thoughts and making polished presentations, the Inspiration software company offers many packages suitable for children and adults. The Inspiration software packages is geared toward college students, adults and professionals, while the Kidspiration packages, geared for grades K-5 help to develops thinking, literacy and numeracy skills, reading and writing, word recognition, and vocabulary. Many classroom tools for teachers and educators are also available through the Inspiration company.

3. Music: Adventus Music and Piano Learning Solutions

Adventus’ MusIQ LabTM targeted at children ages K-12, sets a new standard for hands-on music education, combining innovative technology, proven pedagogy and fun! MusIQ Lab utilizes sophisticated software tools developed by experienced music educators and trusted by thousands of professional instructors.

2. Math and Science: Yenka

Many schools around the world are now using Yenka technology in the classroom. Yenka software packages range from Electroics, with simulators to design virtual circuits using over 150 types of components, to Light and Sound programs that allow students to experiment with sound, water and light waves, and ray diagrams to Mathematics software that gives students the power to create 3D mathematical models, demonstrate statistics, probability, geometry and coordinates.

1. Foreign Language: Rosetta Stone

Rosetta stone is celebrated as the leading language-learning software in the world, with users in over 150 countries worldwide. Unique Rosetta Stone packages are available for children and adults of all ages and levels of language proficiency. Rosetta Stone software uses natural methods of teaching new language directly, without translation. That means no more confusing grammar explanations or mind-numbing vocabulary lists to memorize.

High tech study software packages offer colorful, interactive audio and visual information presented in a streamlined format. Many of these products are very specifically catered to ages, academic grade levels, and professional fields. If you, or a student you know is in the market for useful, unique and inspirational study software packages, here is a list of our top ten picks of the year.