Word
Processing Software:
The
use of word processing software definitely has its issues, however I feel it
has some great advantages. The use of word processing software in the classroom
in some instances could be great for learning. Although it has a controversial
side, “it offers many general relative advantages (unique benefits over and
above other methods) to teachers and students” (Roblyer,
2016) .
These relative benefits are that it saves time, enhances the document appearance,
allows the sharing and collaboration of documents, and supports writing and
language learning. Word processing allows the students and teachers a more
efficient way to create documents that is needed in the classroom. “Educators
seem to agree that although word processing is a valuable application, its use
in education can be controversial” (Roblyer, 2016) . Several issues noted due to the use of
word processing software. Questions about what age to allow students to use the
software, along with the teaching of keyboard skills, effects on hand writing,
impact on assessment, and problems with inadvertent errors. Both traditional
handwriting as well as software programs can be used in the classroom.The
student is also allowed to collaborate with other students to ensure that the
work is done correctly.
Spreadsheet
Software:
Like
word processing software the impact of spreadsheet software in the classroom is
a great. “Teachers use them primarily to keep budgets and gradebooks and to
help teach mathematical topics” (Roblyer, 2016) . This software is great tool, however I
personally would not utilize this software in my classroom very much. As a
history teacher I do not see the need other than for the use of a gradebook.
Roblyer states that it has several uses such as saves time, organizes, supports
“what if” questions, increases the motivation to work with mathematics. The
problem with this software is not whether the software is complicated it is
that mathematics tends to scare people. This would deter the student from even
learning the uses of the software. ”They are not afraid to process words, but
numbers is quite another matter” (Roblyer, 2016) .
Presentation Software:
Presentation
software is a great tool to use the classroom. “Presentation software is
designed to display information, including text, images, audio, and video in a
slideshow format” (Roblyer, 2016) . Software such as
PowerPoint will help students that are visual learners better understand the
material. This software use in the classroom enhances the spoken word, helps in
the organizing of the topic, as well as allows collaboration on presentations. The
issues with using presentation software are some educators feel that students
would focus on the slides rather than the message itself.
Classroom
Use Chosen Software: Presentation
I
chose presentation software due the use of video and audio to keep students drawn
into the material. Being a history teacher is a nothing more than telling
stories. Stories that has already occurred in our nation’s history. The better
you tell the story the more the student will grasp the material that is being
taught. The use of this tool only enhances the message you are trying to get
across. I am very interested in the battle of New Orleans. What better
effective way to tell the story than a short documentary on the battle itself.
Mr. Kline,
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers can use spreedsheets in a variety of different ways. I really like the idea that you stated that teachers can use them to calculate students grades. I think that this is a great way to use this type of software. It can save time for the teacher, by allowing the software to do the math. I also think that teachers could use this type of program to make math fun for the student. Games could be made with the student using this software to help them understand how the program works and how to solve a problem (Roblyer, 2016, p.121).
Hello Mr. Kline. I like the fact that you tell it how it is when it comes to students and the fear of using Spreadsheets. I know this all too well because it is one of the reasons why I chose to not use it as much. But i have recently challenged myself to get more familiar with the program so that i can implement it into my Social Science class. Spreadsheets do have an advantage for teachers to save time. "Teachers can use spreadsheets to help them prepare classroom materials and complete calculations that they would otherwise have to do by hand or with a calculator." (Roblyer pg. 123)
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteThere certainly are advantages and disadvantages to word processing. In regards to time saved, I think it should actually be a requirement for students to be taught typing in school so that word processing can actually save time. If your pecking at the keyboard with fingers I think it may not actually save time. Roblyer stated (2016) "Some educators feel that students will never become really productive on the computer until they learn 10-finger keyboarding" (P. 116). I agree that I don't think the spreadsheet will play too much of a role in teaching history. I definitely think using video and audio for history will be good. Its much better to engage a student by showing them what was going on in the time frame the historical events were happening. If you need a redcoat to help with the Battle of New Orleans let me know!
David, I definitely think using presentation software in a History class would be great. History and English have a lot of overlap, in my opinion, and finding different ways to tell the stories involved in the curriculum adds a level of excitement. I think collaborative presentations between History/English teachers would be really cool. Both teachers could add to a slideshow presentation, and this could give historical insight into different literature the students are studying. Robyler (2016) seems to agree, albeit focusing more on student collaboration. "The most powerful strategy for integrating presentation software is for students to create individual or small-group presentations to document and display results of research they have done," (p.132).
ReplyDelete