Technology Tools in the Classroom

“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.