Teachers, if you aren’t using software tools in your
classroom already, you should be! If you want your life to run a little bit
smoother, continue reading!
Word Processing
Software
What is word processing software anyway? Ever heard of Microsoft
Word? There are too many benefits to mention, but here a few. According to
Roblyer (2010), Word processing can save you time (p. 114). Why rewrite your
materials, when you can modify them, and let’s face it, teachers are constantly
modifying all kinds of materials! Also, typed documents look more professional than
handwritten notes, and allow for documentation. Now what did I write to Sally’s
mother last week, and what day was that on??? Hmmm… if it was handwritten you
are OUT of luck on figuring that out! There is a slight problem you need to
consider when using word processing as an instructional strategy. “Research
shows that word processing alone cannot improve the quality of student writing”
(p. 115). Students can become too
dependent on technology. Does auto correct bring up a red flag? Word is a great
motivator to get students to start writing more though, and that is always a
great first step!
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheets scare me a little bit, which is kind of hilarious because I love to
organize everything under the sun. Spreadsheets
can help you organize attendance to grades, with a whole lot in between! Spreadsheets
will help you stay on track in the classroom! When using them with students, “Spreadsheets
help people visualize the impact of changes in numbers” (Roblyer, 2010, p. 121).
Make math more fun by introducing a new way to look at numbers! One thing you
should look out for is that spreadsheets are less straightforward than Word and
this might pose a problem for some of your students.
Presentation Software
I love a GOOD PowerPoint, don’t you? Notice I emphasized the
word good, because there are some really horrible ones out there. When used
correctly, presentation software can greatly enhance your lesson as well as
teach your students how to correctly present information, “its emphasis on
sequencing and breaking information into component parts can promote a more
organized approach” (Roblyer, 2010, p. 127). A problem you might run into is “the
overuse or improper use of bullets and lists [that] can cause problems for
learners as they process the information they are hearing (p. 127). If there is
one thing you take away from this blog about presentation software, it’s this,
keep it simple silly!
Classroom Use- Chosen
Software
While I plan on using all three tools in the classroom, word
processing will be the tool I use the most, simply because there are just so
many ways to use it. My personal favorite tool to use is Google Docs in Google Drive, because of its
fantastic ability for collaboration. Students share one document at the same time, allowing for easier collaboration within groups. I also love the use of the cloud. There is no need to worry about my students losing their work, and I will have access to their documents for assessment purposes throughout the process as well as the ability to answer questions, give feedback and send encouragement. Want to learn more? Check it out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WWu8kN51Gw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WWu8kN51Gw
Roblyer, M. D. (2010).
Integrating educational technology into
teaching
(7th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
