Three Software Technology Tools
Word Processing Software
Typing programs such as Word have allowed teachers to get more information to students quicker. You can type class notes, class email or a course syllabus to get information easily to all students. Word processed text is clearer and easier to read than written text. Word processing allows teachers and students to be able to share documents easily online as M.D. Roblyer (2016) states “especially since the release of products such as Google Docs and Wikispaces, teachers and students can now create, edit, and share documents synchronously.” (p. 115). Students with special needs can also now communicate via word processing software which in years past they did not have access too. M.D. Roblyer explains (2016) “adaptive keyboards and voice recognition capabilities make writing more accessible for students with physical challenges.” (p.115). Issues that I have personally experienced since the advent of word processing software include the following: forgetting how to hand write, auto correcting leading to poor grammar and an inability to type which negates the time benefit to word processing.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software such as Excel allow teachers to save time grading by using formulas which Roblyer explains (2016) “Entries also can be changed, added, or deleted easily, with formulas that automatically recalculate final grades” (p. 121). Spreadsheets also do a great job of clearly organizing and displaying data for students to read as opposed to handwritten graphs or lists. Spreadsheets also give mathematics a degree of visual appeal and by working with numbers in a graphic form. One of the biggest issues with spreadsheets is that they can be too complex and overwhelming for students. Also when creating them you have to ensure that you know how to do the formulas properly and they are in the right square so you get the desired results.
Presentation Software
Presentation software such as PowerPoint allow a teacher to organize and narrow in on information that they want to get to their students and can be presented in ways that engages them such as through videos, audio clips and interesting pictures to supplement simple text information. Presentation software can also allow students to make contributions in a way which they excel at which Roblyer notes (2016) “for example some may focus on text message design and some on selecting and creating appropriate graphics” (p. 127). Perhaps a criticism of presentation software is that it can simplify the message too much and teachers can miss covering all that they wanted to teach. “not giving out hard copies of slides” (Roblyer, 2016, p.129) is also in instance when the students could easily forget what they heard and will have no way of reviewing for future tests.
Chosen Software - Presentation
My goal is to teach Social Studies and I think there are many ways in with presentation software can help to keep students interested in what your teaching. I am a big fan of world war two and I think a great idea would be to have a PowerPoint presentation incorporating both audio and video clips that would allow the students to see and hear actual World War Two events. Here's a clip of World War 2 combat..
