Word Processing Software:
Word processing software programs allow the user to type their documents on the computer. Examples of these programs are Microsoft Word, Pages (Mac Software), and Google Docs. Most word processing programs allow some desktop publishing elements such as text boxes and inserting graphics. Roblyer (2016), suggests that teachers use word processing software to save time (typing is faster vs writing) and to enhance document appearance (not all students have the best handwriting) (Roblyer, 2016, p.115).
Some issues a teacher may have with word processing software is the need to teach keyboarding skills and what age students should start word processing. Typing can be introduced as early as 4 or 5 years old but some teachers feel that is the prime time to be focusing on building their handwriting skills and developing those fine motor skills before introducing typing. I think the text does provide a valid point, handwriting should be introduced first and build those skills and then introduce typing and word processing software.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software is used to organize and manipulate numerical data. These are programs like Excel, Numbers, and Google Sheets. Roblyer (2016) states that teachers use spreadsheets to save time, support what if questions, and increase motivation to work with mathematics. These activities could be sorting data, basic math calculations and graphing (Roblyer, 2016, p. 122).
A big issue with spreadsheets can be that often students who are "scared" of math are often scared of spreadsheets. I can totally understand this. Opening up a spreadsheet can sometimes be scary for me especially when you have to do calculations on it. I think a good way to introduce spreadsheets would be a very visual step by step process of how to work with the program.
Presentation Software
Presentation software is used to display information in a slideshow format. These programs include, Powerpoint, Pages, and Google Slides. In our text, Roblyer (2016) states that teachers use presentation software to help organize thinking about a topic, enhance the impact of spoken information, and to allow for collaboration on a presentation (Roblyer, 2016, p. 127). From book reports to review games the possibilities for presentation software are almost limitless.
An issue with presentation software is that no research shows that the software impacts the information presented. Nothing proves that presenting something in a presentation software makes educational gains. I think there are great ways to integrate slideshow software in the classroom that can help students learn.
How to Use Slideshow Software in the Classroom
Instead of using slideshow software to present, I think you should use it for students to create and share. I observed in a 3rd grade classroom this past May term and they used Google Slides to create "Choose Your Own Adventure" games. They made up a scenario and used hyperlinks that linked to different slides based on the class choice. It was amazing to see the students using Google Slides and hyperlinks to create these fun games. While the students I observed with did these for a fun end of the year activity, I found a link to one created about the rainforest that could be used in science.
References
Lesson Ideas - Microsoft PowerPoint
https://sites.google.com/a/cfsd16.org/microsoft-powerpoint/lesson-ideas
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching.Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
I like that you mentioned that typing is faster than writing. It is true. Word Processing Software does have a lot of benefits as well as disadvantages. One of the main advantages that stood out to me that Robyler mentioned on page 114 is that Word encourages students to write in all subjects, not just English.
ReplyDeleteTo add on to what Stephanie said, I also really like that you made the point to say that typing is faster than writing. I struggle as a slow writer, but I am so much more comfortable when it comes to typing. I also like how you incorporated the lesson your previous CT did using Google Slides. I would have never thought to do that.
ReplyDeleteTo add on to both Stephanie and Morgan typing helped me growing up to get my thoughts down on paper. I had trouble when it came to getting my thoughts out by simply handwriting them.
ReplyDelete