Using technology in the classroom is extremely important. It provides students and teachers with exciting, innovative ways to learn and develop while still fostering creativity. In this blog post, I am going to explore the “Basic Three” of software tools.
Word Processing
When word processing programs first entered the classroom, it really was a game changer. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), “Word processing helps teachers use preparation time more efficiently by letting them modify materials instead of creating new ones” (p. 116). According to the text, this also “allows collaboration on documents” (Robyler & Doering, 2013,
p. 119). This means that teachers and students can work together on projects even if they are unable to meet face-to-face. However, one issue with this can be that these documents may seem less personal, and there may not be as much room to add your own individual touch.
Spreadsheet Software
According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), “A spreadsheet helps users manage numbers in the same way that word processing helps them manage words” (p.122). I find this program to be especially important because when working with large amounts of data it can be very difficult to keep it all organized. One issue I do have with this program is that it can be difficult to learn how to use. I have not always found it to be user friendly.
Presentation Software
As someone who is a very visual learner, I would have to say that hands down presentation software is my favorite. It really allows you to bring your thoughts and ideas to life. It also seems to allow room for the most individuality and creativity. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), “When a presentation product is well-designed, it supports and supplements what the speaker says…(p. 128). An issue that some researchers have mentioned is that “presentation software makes people focus on slides rather than the message” (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.129-130).
Classroom Use
In the classroom, word processing is useful for everything from research papers to class newsletters. It can help students check for grammatical errors before turning in work. Spreadsheet software is wonderful to use for in class data organization. It could even be used in a teacher guided activity to understand data from a class or school poll. Presentation software can help me as a teacher connect to my students in a more visual way by giving them literal examples of subject matter. It can also help students better represent their ideals in class reports.
Robyler, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
I'm a visual learner as well. I am always looking for ways to help students gain a better understanding of material. What are some of your favorite applications to use? I definitely recommend you look/join prezi for presentations. you'd really enjoy it as a visual learner!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post. All three of these softwares prove to be very useful to teachers and students alike. I particularly like the templates that are available in the word processing softwares. They have newsletters, lesson plans, calenders, and even KWL charts for you to be able to customize, print out, and use in your own classrooms.
ReplyDeleteJasmine,
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you pointed out that word processing allows collaboration on documents with teachers and students who can't always meet "face-to-face." It is also good to point out the benefits it allows teacher-to-teacher collaboration, "teachers can exchange lesson plans, worksheets, or other matherials on disc and modigy them to fit their needs" (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.119).