As a teacher, using a word processing software would save a lot of time and it is something that most teachers are comfortable and confident using. Roblyer (2016) said, "Since it is a value as an aid to teaching and learning in universally acknowledged, word processing have become the most commonly used software in education." (pg. 114). It is something that will save time for teachers, it enhances document appearance, allows sharing of documents, allows collaboration on documents, and it also supports student writing and language learning (pg. 114-115). This gives teachers the opportunity to share and edit documents among one another year after year. This is something that benefits the students, as well. They are able to practice using technology that is crucial in the 21st century.
While it is important that students are up to date on technology, it is still just as important to practice handwriting the old fashion way. If students become too dependent on word processing documents, then they will also become too dependent on spell check and typed documents, as opposed to, their handwritten documents.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet is another important software tool that many teachers use everyday. They provide perfect visuals for students, as well as, great organization skills for teachers. Spreadsheets save time, organize displays of information, support asking "what if" questions, and increase motivation to work with mathematics (pg. 121). As a teacher, I would use spreadsheet to model math problems. This would make math more fun for the students and would benefit those visual learners, as well as, the hands-on learners. Students would be allowed to create their own spreadsheets and learn how to operate this software, that will benefit the students in the future.
One issue that could arise with this specific software would be that the students view the math more complicated than what it really is. They can see it as more of a challenge instead of a helpful tool. It is crucial for teachers to make sure that students understand how to operate and read the spreadsheets before they incorporate it into their lesson.
Presentation Software
As a teacher, I would use presentation software as a visual aid for my students. This would also be a good source to use as a checklist/agenda for the students to see what all they have completed for the day and what they have left to do. Presentation software work well for presenting information summaries, demonstrating materials for discussion, presenting illustrative problems and solutions, presenting assessments, and presenting book reports (pg. 131). Students are able to use them to present individual projects, as well as, group projects. Roblyer said, "Having learners become the designers and experts of content, in the end presenting their work to the class, can serve as a powerful technology integration lesson for any domain of learning" (pg. 132). This gives the students practice with technology and presenting in front of people. This also allows the teacher to assess the student(s) and see where they are academically and technical.
One issue that could arise with the presentation software would be the chance that students do not save their work or their presentation not working in general. There is always that chance with technology, but I believe that with the proper training and a back up plan, it will be very beneficial.
Classroom Use-Presentation Software
The software that I cannot wait to use in my classroom in the presentation software. I love that there are many different options that can benefit the teacher and the students. I will use this as a checklist so that the students know where we are through the day. They will know exactly what to expect next. This is a great tool to teach time management. I also feel that students will work more proficiently when they know what they have to finish in order to move on to the next.
I have attached a youtube video of the benefits of using technology in a classroom. It shows how well students respond to technology.
References:
Robylyer, M.D. (2016) Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th Edition). [Yuzu]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8ftIlmCOZw
I'm with you 100%! The issue that sticks out to me about word processing software is that early introduction and overuse could have negative impacts on handwriting skills (pg. 116). But you made an even better point about students relying on spelling and grammer checks. How do we as teachers make sure students develop spelling, grammar, and handwriting skills while still benefiting from all that word processing software has to offer?
ReplyDeleteI also chose the presentation software as my classroom-use! Just as you mentioned, I feel this offers tools for classroom management and organization. I feel like we have the same ideas as far as how to use it throughout the day as an agenda to display directions, interventions, and extensions for students to refer to.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your comment about how children using these software programs will help accommodate them with technology with it being crucial to their education in the 21st century. Like you mentioned, I feel it is crucial that wed do not let our students learn to use these programs as a crutch for spell or grammar check. As teachers, I feel like we can use this in centers for students to learn and practice rather than fully depend on it. As long as teachers are monitoring their students, they will be aware of whether or not they are depending on monitor or spell check.