Word Processing Software
Roblyer and
Doering (2012) stated, “No other technology has had as great an impact on
education as word processing” (p.116).
Word processing is probably the easiest to use of the “Basic Three” (Roblyer
& Doering, 2012, p.114). Teachers
can use word processing because it “saves time”, “enhances document
appearance”, “allows sharing of documents”, and “allows collaboration on
documents” (p.116-119). A great use for teachers is if they save documents,
they can reuse different items year after year (p.120). Although there are
great uses for word processing, some people also have issues with using it. Some
people think it may be introduced to students to early (p.120). Because it is
introduced to early, it could have an impact on handwriting and proofreading
skills (p.120). In a classroom, I would use word processing for handouts and test.
Spreadsheet Software
Roblyer and
Doering (2012) state, “Spreadsheets are programs designed to organize and
manipulate numerical data... [which] is stored in rows and columns” (p.122). Spreadsheets
are mostly used for grade books, mathematics, and business (p.122). Teachers
use spreadsheets because it “saves time”, “organizes displays of information”,
“supports asking what if questions”, and “increases motivation to work with
mathematics” (p.122-125). Teachers can use spreadsheets to make mathematics
more visual to the students with charts and graphs (p.125). Though teachers and
students can benefit from the use of spreadsheets there are also some issues. Students
are usually already scared of mathematics, so when a teacher introduces it on
spreadsheets they usually retreat from that form too (p. 125). Unlike word
processing students take longer to learn the different steps involved in using
spreadsheets (p. 125). In a classroom, I would use spreadsheets for grades and
charts.
Presentation Software
Presentation
software is an upgrade in technology. Roblyer and Doering (2012) states, “presentation
software is designed to display information including text, images, audio, and
video, in a slideshow format” (p.128). With the help of presentation software
teachers can make learning more visual. It allows students to take notes and
work in groups. However, there are some issues with presentation software. Teachers
usually misunderstand how to use the software the right way (p130).
Classroom Use
In a
classroom, I would use all the software, but the one I find resourceful is
spreadsheets. There are so many uses for it, but some teachers are not
proficient in the use of spreadsheets. For classroom use, Roblyer and Doering
(2012) mention the use of spreadsheets for students calculating their own
grades (p 126). I think that would be a great use for students. Students can be
shown how to put grades into spreadsheets to tally their averages. This keeps
the students informed about what grade they have at all times throughout the
year without having to ask the teacher every time. As a bonus, it can be very simple
for the students by just having a generalized format for all the students in a
class. Below is a video that shows students how to make their own grade sheet.
References
Cari.
(2011 June 22). Average Your Grades Using Excel. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFmBEEgBWmE.
Roblyer, M.D. &
Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th
ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.
Spreadsheets are not as popular among students. Spreadsheet software is not utilized as often as word processors and requires the student to use numerical values. Roblyer & Doering (2012) stated that, "Teachers usually have to allow time for students to become comfortable with the [spreadsheet] software and discover that it is an aid to them, rather than a further challenge to their math ability" (p. 125). Although learning all the different programs in a software suite is imperative for students, how would you address a student's reluctance to work with spreadsheets?
ReplyDeleteAiesha, your right spreadsheet software is not used as often. I think that if a student were to use spreadsheet software and see all of the things it can put together, that they will find it very useful. To get them to use it though is a different concept. If students are shown that it could actually help with math instead of making it harder they may not be so reluctant to use spreadsheets. One way to make a student more comfortable with spreadsheets is just to show them some simple cleverness that is supported by spreadsheets. One example that comes to my mind, is the simple averaging of grades.
DeleteInstituting that simple solution would definitely be an icebreaker for students who avoid using spreadsheets. In what other ways would you implement spreadsheets into your classroom?
DeleteI love the idea of a student Excel gradebook, and have found it to be very helpful myself when calculating my grades. With software like iNow, however, some students might not see the need to calculate the grades themselves. Would you make an assignment out of creating and using the Excel gradebook to impress upon your students the importance of maintaining their grades or hand out the software file for them to use or not use at their prerogative? The textbook lists spreadsheet software as a means to “encourage logical thinking, develop organizational skills, and promote problem solving,” so this could be an avenue worth exploring (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p. 126).
ReplyDeleteI would not make it mandatory for a student to keep up with their own grades. I just think that some students, like me, might want to know there grades after every test or assignment. Also a neat idea about calculating their own grades, is they can do a what if grade for some future assignment. As a teacher though I would not expect them to know how to use spreadsheets, unless I was a computer teacher, but I could show them just the basics to average grades. If a student had difficulties, I could even just have a generalized form of the spreadsheet for them to download at home.
DeleteI also like the idea of encouraging the students to become more familiar with the spreadsheet software and implement it for keeping track of their own grades. I think it will help them become more familiar with the many capabilities that spreadsheet has to offer as well as becoming more comfortable with the mathematics involved. Among the many options that spreadsheet has to offer, users can easily adapt preformatted models of worksheets (ex. budgets, checkbooks,gradekeepers,and statistical graphs) to their own needs (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 124). With an increased use of technology in the classroom and at home , do you think that the students will be more comfortable with creating their own projects or using templates?
ReplyDeleteI think with the different software students would rather create their own projects. I think that the students in classes now know more about technological software than I do. They comprehend how to use the software because they are so use to utilizing it. I think the software helps students with their creativity. Also, the use of templates lets students pick out so many options that they would not have with paper.
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