Software Programs in the Classroom

Word Processing Software
Software tools not only benefit students, but they make your job teaching a little easier and organized.  Word processing software programs allow the sharing of documents and collaboration, which is extremely beneficial to teachers (Roblyer, 2016). If your co-teacher has a lesson that his/her students benefit from and you want your class to experience that same lesson, sharing word documents make that possible. Instead of having to hand write your own version of the lesson or writing a similar lesson, your co-worker could email you the materials used, and you can edit and print it for use. Furthermore, special keyboards and voice recognition capabilities make writing easier for students that have disabilities (Roblyer, 2016).
Issues that may arise with the use of this tool is the question of when children should begin using word processing. Some teachers believe word processing will give students freedom from the constraints of handwriting, while others believe that it will effect students will to develop handwriting and other motor skills (Roblyer, 2016). Therefore, questions have arisen about whether or not the use of word processing effects handwriting legibility.


                                                             Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheets are also beneficial in the classroom. As teachers, time is of the essence. Spreadsheets allow educators to calculate items, such as grades, in a timely fashion. Furthermore, spreadsheet software saves the initial calculations so that numbers entered in the future can be computed quickly. Therefore, more time can be spent on instruction. Another reason to use spreadsheet software is the impact it has on students and math. Spreadsheets create visuals while teaching math so that students are able to see abstract mathematical concepts (Roblyer, 2016).
If spreadsheets are implemented in the classroom, teachers must be aware of the issues that accompany them. Educators must be aware of students' fear of math and their apprehension to process numbers (Roblyer, 2016).


                                                            Presentation Software
Lastly, presentation software organize and enhance the lesson. With the assistance of presentation software, lessons are more organized for the teacher. The teacher can use it as a guide of what to talk about during his/her lesson and to ensure that the main points of the lesson are hit. Images associated with presentation software allows students to firmly grasp the concept (Roblyer, 2016).
Issues with this software are having slides with only images, showing a limited number of slides before applying what was on the slide, and not providing students with a copy of the presentation (Roblyer, 2016).

I plan on using presentation software in my classroom. In classes I have had, teachers have a presentation on the whiteboard when students arrive in order to know what to do before class begins. In a Kindergarten classroom, it is important to teach routine. Therefore, I would use this to teach my students routine. I would use pictures and words instructing students on what to upon arrival. I will be able to tend to other matters, my students will be on task, and they will learn routines for entering the room, such as coming in, sitting down, reading a book, etc.



I included this video, because a presentation on the board telling students what to do when they arrive would prohibit the chaos seen.. Students know what is expected of them. Therefore, playing, talking, and confusion about what to do, is reduced.


Works Cited
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

CONVERSATION

2 comments:

  1. When writing above you wrote that there maybe issues when using Word Processing and I completely agree. I think it is a true statement when said, some teachers believe word processing will give students freedom from the constraints of handwriting, while others believe that it will effect students will to develop handwriting and other motor skills (Roblyer, 2016). That why it is important to meet each student where they are and help them grow. Great post Katie!

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  2. It is so true how Spreadsheets help students visualize the math concepts, but it doesn't mean it helps relieve the anxiety students feel when doing math problems! (Roblyer, 2016). Allowing the students to do multiple, small assignments to figure out to use the software may help relieve some of the anxiety. Great post Katie!

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