Word Processing
Software
Word processing software is used to create documents
consisting of pages with text and graphics in education. Using this software
saves time, enhances document appearance, allows sharing of documents, and
allows collaboration on documents.
Research shows that word processing software enables teachers and
students to create a greater quantity of writing. Some research also shows that
the quality of writing is improved as well.
One issue that arises with the use of this software includes questions of
what age students should start word processing.
Some educators feel that students’ handwriting skills will be hindered
by the use of this software. Other issues that arise include the necessity to
teach keyboarding skills, the impact on assessment, and problems with
inadvertent errors.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software is used in education to put numerical
information in row and column format and to make fast calculations. Using spreadsheet software saves time, organizes
displays of information, supports asking “what if” questions, and increases
motivation to work with math. Research
shows that spreadsheets can be useful tools in many content areas, including
math, science, business, and social studies. One issue that arises with the use
of spreadsheets is that students who fear math also tend to fear using
spreadsheets. Teachers must take time
for students to become comfortable with the software.
Presentation Software
Presentation
software is used in education to display text and graphics in slide shows. Teachers use presentation software because it
helps organize thinking about a topic, enhances the impact of spoken
information, and allows collaboration on presentations. One issue that arises with the use of
presentation software is the impact it has on the information presented. Often,
too much focus is put on the presentation instead of the content. Issues also arise with the impact of
presentation software on teaching style. Depending on how the software is used,
the lesson can be become too teacher-centered rather than engaging students in
active learning.
Classroom Use
I would like to implement the
vocabulary lessons that my cooperating teacher in Lit Block used presentation
software for in my future classroom. The
teacher displayed the vocabulary word, its definition, and an image on the
first slide. For example, if the vocabulary word was “chilly”, then the image
could be of something that is cold like ice.
The teacher would also make slides that showed the vocabulary word used
in example sentences with an associated image.
For example, the sentence could be “Sally was chilly in the cold
classroom because she forgot her coat at home”. There could also be a picture
of a girl shivering without a coat. The teacher also included review game
presentations where the students had to choose the right vocabulary word that
went with the image on the slide. These presentations seemed to help the
students better comprehend the vocabulary words because they could see the words
and definitions spelled out. The images
also helped students visualize the word and make a real-world connection to it.
I really like the visual idea you shared. Children learn best when they can connect it to something real and showing them a picture in which the word is used is a good way to help them connect it to their life. Thanks for sharing, I'll keep that presentation in mind!
ReplyDeleteI love that you had an awesome CT during Lit. Block who has already given you great ideas for your classroom! (Mine was perfect, so I can totally relate.) I really liked that you had a positive example of presentation being used in the classroom. I felt like the text almost didn't have anything positive to say about it, as if it has no place in our classrooms.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers need to let their students take their time familiarizing themselves with spreadsheets. I'm so impressed with your CT from Lit. Block! That's an awesome way to engage students with presentation software.
ReplyDelete