Basic Three of software:
Word
processing
Ex.Word
Ex.Word
Spreadsheet
Ex. Excel
Presentation
Ex. Powerpoint
Word processing software
Word
processing software allows students to easily work with written materials. Instead
of writing new material after every editing process, students can adjust their
work within the program, allowing instant changes and feedback. However, when students edit, they are “concerned primarily with
surface-level corrections, such as spelling or grammatical errors, and word
processors seem to have a limited effect on promoting global revision, or
overall improvements in depth and quality of written communication” (Roblyer
& Doering, 2012, p. 120). While it is a great tool to use, students
must be trained in basic writing to truly use the software to its fullest
potential.
Spreadsheet software
Spreadsheet
software supports mathematical problems solving by allowing students to process
these equations in a graphical format. Students can see their processes and
make changes where necessary. Roblyer and Doering (2012) note that an issue with it is that “they [students] are not afraid to process words,
but processing numbers is quite another matter” (p. 125). Spreadsheets
require formulas and other mathematical skills, which can cause anxiety or fear. Teachers must, as Roblyer and Doering (2012) write, “allow time for students
to become comfortable with the software and discover that it is an aid to them,
rather than a further challenge to their math ability" (p. 125).
Presentation software
Presentation
software can be used as an outline to a lecture, or to display key terms or
ideas needed to help the class. It allows students to work on projects
together, especially to “contribute in a variety of ways…rather just in
writing” (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p. 128). By offering a creative medium,
all kinds of students employing all kinds of communication and creative styles
can work together in a way that other project methods couldn’t.
However, presentation software can create a crutch, leading to
stagnation in classroom learning.It can also distract and take away from the presenter and their ideas.
Classroom Use
I would use
presentation software in the classroom, especially with my concentration in
Medieval Literature. Roblyer and Doering (2012) recommend that teachers show “only a
few slides at a time before having students apply the information, having some
slides with no text, [or] moving around the room while showing slides” (p. 130). More importantly, presentation setups will greatly
effect what students get out of the lesson. This video offers wonderful
advice on making a successful presentation for an English classroom:
In context of a classroom, focusing on a few
concepts at a time (such as vocabulary), and showing them on the presentation
will allow students to digest each concept and then put it to use. Putting
vocabulary on the slides will help them if they need it, without being too
intrusive.
References:
British Council (2010, August 31). Presentation for Teachers [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoTPuAecvH8
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.
I wonder if it's possible to use excel in an English class, like maybe to show literacy rates or tends in publishing via a table or chart. Text offers ideas like this on pg 125.
ReplyDeleteBrad,
ReplyDeleteOne professor used the presentation software to show the key terms, and then defined the terms through lecture. This allowed the class to better organize their notes and stress the more important vocabulary terms for the semester. Taking notes in a well-organized lecture really helped me to comprehend the information from the class. Roblyer and Doering (2012) discuss the importance of organization by educators using presentation software (p.128).
Brad,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your take on presentation software. I plan on using power points in the same way as you mentioned. This software is definitely a positive thing when used the correct way. Roblyer and Doering (2013) state that presentation software "Helps organize thinking about a topic." (128). This is certainly that most valuable feature.