“The Basic Three”:
Technology Tools in the Classroom
In this blog post I will discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of what is referred to as “The Basic Three” which
include: Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentation Software.
Word Processing Software
Word processing programs allow for
versatility and flexibility in the classroom not only for students, but also
for teachers by allowing sharing of documents. These programs make it easy for
students to share and revise each others work, while also allowing teachers to
share lesson plans and worksheets. Word Processing programs also support
writing and language learning even for physically impaired students. “Adaptive
keyboards and voice recognition capabilities make writing more accessible for
students with physical challenges” (Roblyer, 2016, p.115). One disadvantage of
word processing programs is the need to teach keyboarding skills. Those in
favor of teaching keyboarding skills believe that it is the only way the
students will become truly productive on the computer. However, educators
opposed to spending extensive time learning proper typing techniques believe
that time would be better spent learning more important information and that
typing skills will come along as they use the programs (Roblyer, 2016, p.116).
Spreadsheet Software
“A
spreadsheet helps users manage numbers in the same way that word processing
helps them manage words” (Roblyer, 2016, p.121). These types of programs are beneficial to the
classroom in several different ways including: keeping budgets, completing
time-consuming calculation quickly and even summarizing data. They are also
helpful by increasing students’ motivation do mathematics. “Students sometimes
perceive mathematical concepts as dry and boring; spreadsheets can make these
concepts so graphic that students express real delight with seeing how they
work” (Roblyer, 2016, p.121). One of the disadvantages of spreadsheet software
programs is that the programs take time to learn how to use them. I can speak
personally on this issue because I always had trouble using these types of
programs while I was in school, even after being shown by the instructor how to
complete a certain task on numerous occasions.
Presentation Software
Presentation software is intended to
display text, audio and video information in a slideshow format. Perhaps the
biggest benefit of these types of programs is enhancing the effect of spoken
word. “When a presentation product is well designed, it supports and supplements
what the speaker says, using graphics and multimedia to give illustrations and
drive home points with images and sounds” (Roblyer, 2016, p.127). The main
conflict educators have with presentation software is that it can be used as a aid
for teachers presenting information in front of the class and furthermore
encourage “bad teaching” styles.
Classroom Use: Presentation
Software
History is one subject that is often
associated with long, wordy lectures and copious amounts of note taking.
However, I believe that teaching History can be exciting when photographs,
sound clips and videos pertaining to the topic are used to give students
tangible ideas of what that moment in history may have looked or sounded like. My
favorite time period to study is the Cold War era. I have included a video of a
speech from President Kennedy declaring Nuclear War during the Cuban Missile
Crisis. This is an example of how I would use presentation software to show my
students monumental moments in history instead of simply talking about it.
