Throughout this post and future posts, I will be citing the textbook our class is using this semester: Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th Ed.) by M.D. Roblyer.
Word Processing Software
Microsoft Word 2013 logo - Wikimedia Commons
Word processing software (think Microsoft Word or Google Docs) is described by Roblyer (2016) as the most frequently used of the three basic software tools. I love how easy it is to use due to its familiarity, and it tends to be my go-to software tool. As a teacher, I would use word processing software to communicate with parents by creating a welcome letter, weekly newsletters, and conference notification forms. For students, I might create activity sheets, create fill-in-the-blank notes or have them use word processing software themselves to practice writing skills. I already utilize it for writing lesson plans!
However, there are limitations to having young students use word processing software. According to Roblyer (2016), some argue that word processing software is causing students to focus less on handwriting skills, while others argue that the software is allowing students to express ideas that they would otherwise be unable to share at an early age, due to their limited handwriting skills. I feel that both sides have valid points, and in my future classroom I would emphasize that both handwriting skills and the use of word processing software are important.
Spreadsheet Software
Microsoft Excel - Wikimedia Commons
Spreadsheet software (think Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) is personally my least favorite of the three basic software tools. However, that's purely because it's the tool I have the least experience with, which I'm trying not to let influence my understanding of its classroom usefulness! Roblyer (2016) suggests that as teachers, we could use spreadsheet software to manage grades or classroom budgets as the software is capable of doing calculations automatically and saves precious time. Students might also use spreadsheet software themselves to make tables and graphs for math and science (number of each color of M&M in a bag), and even social studies (compile data about two different countries including number of people, age ranges, and so on).
The main issue with using spreadsheet software is its functionality if you aren't already familiar with how it works. Roblyer (2016) mentions that it may make math more fun and exciting to those who don't like math, but it takes a lot of practice to get the hang of all its features before the fun can begin.
Presentation Software
How to Give an Awesome (PowerPoint) Presentation - Wienot Films
Presentation software (think Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides) is equally fun and frustrating because there are endless possibilities, but graphic design isn't everyone's passion. I would use presentation software to organize and emphasize the main points of a lesson, as well as to introduce myself to students and parents (parent night, open house) using pictures to go along with my spoken words.
I have learned in at least two separate classes recently how to properly create a presentation (more graphics, less words!) and that if you feel the need to include big blocks of text, you should use word processing software instead to create a document. Stop putting students to sleep with boring presentations!
Classroom Use - Chosen Software
I would choose word processing software above the other two types because of its many functional uses (creating lesson plans, communicating with parents, and having students practice writing skills) and because of my own familiarity and comfort in using it. Whatever word processing software you choose, it will typically come with tons of free templates built in to write letters, format papers (think MLA, APA), create resumes, foldables - the possibilities are endless, both for you and your students!
For example, I might use word processing software to do a writing lesson with upper-elementary students. The students would handwrite their "sloppy copy" and type the final product after editing.
Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. New Jersey: Pearson.
I love the way you organized your post and the content was excellent. You made me think and even learn more about these software tools. With that, I think it your paraphrasing from Roblyer (2016) about spreadsheet software was a great point to add. I know I feel more comfortable looking at and interpreting data in a spreadsheet software system like Excel helps me feel more comfortable with math. I do wonder, though, what would be a great grade or age to use this software with students? How do we know when our students are developmentally ready for this software? How do we integrate this software into our lessons?
ReplyDeleteJust a thought! I look forward to reading more of your posts!
I LOVE the "sloppy copy" lesson. I think it is a great way for students to work on and improve their writing skills. This is also a great way to familiarize students with computer software. I also appreciate both sides of loving and being frustrated with these software programs. It sometimes can be frustrating when you are uncomfortable with something until you get the hang of it as paraphrased by Roblyer (2016). Great Blog!! I'm getting inspired already!
ReplyDeleteI love how you started off your blog post by letting the readers know what they were going to read about. It was very helpful. I think you hit the nail right on the head with your comment on incorporating handwriting and word processing skills in the classroom. Most teachers think it has to be one or the other.. but why not make it both?! That makes perfect sense to me.
ReplyDeleteYou have the same struggle as I do when dealing with Excel. I too have limited experience with it, and that just makes it more "intimidating" to me. I am with Amanda Swift: What grade would be best to start using this software with? That is a question that I wondered as well while reading.
I think Roblyer(2016) is completely right when he mentions how word processing software is the most frequently used of the basic three software. It is not personally my go to ,but I do love how the features are easy to use AND when you make a document, it is able to be saved and reused for years to come. It can make a teachers life a breeze when you don't have to constantly remake things.
Like everyone else's blog I have seen, I LOVE your blog design! I love the way its organized.
ReplyDeleteI love the points that you stated about presentation software. That particular software just so happens to be my favorite. My favorite aspect of the presentation software is 'it is designed to display information including text, images, audio, and video in the slideshow format' (p. 127) I am very organized and I love how organized you are able to make the slide while aslo making them your own.
I'll start off first by saying I love the way you write! You are so straight forward and definitely intrigue your readers to want to read more!
ReplyDeleteAccording to Roblyer (2016), some say that word processing software is causing students to focus not as much on handwriting skills, while some others say that the software is helping students express ideas that they would otherwise be not able to share at an young age, due to their lack or limited handwriting skills. I do agree with this part. I even myself find myself wishing there was spell check or a way to make my handwriting more neat. I am so used to writing papers, letters, and many other things on word and I see that I do need more practice with just simply writing. If I'm doing this then this must be a problem for younger children. How could we find a right balance?