Word Processing Software
Word Processing Software is often used in the classroom by both teachers and students. Teachers are able to have access to documents through the cloud that can be modified instead of creating new ones, which makes your time more efficiently spent. (Roblyer, 2016, p.116) Students are able to write and edit their materials quicker and easier than with a paper and pencil. There have been concerns that by allowing the students to use word processing software the majority of the time that they will then not be able to write legibly, so there is a balance that needs to be in place to prevent that.
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheets are used often by teachers when creating assignments or as grading software. The spreadsheets can be saved in the cloud as well, so accessing them from home and school are helpful and will allow teachers to save time to not have to recreate materials that may have been left at one or the other. There have been some positives and negatives to the students using the software. One positive is that it tends to help students visualize numerical concepts better than other software. On the other side of the spectrum, if students have a fear of doing math it may add to their anxiety. To help students realize that the software is suppose to be used as an aid and not hinder them you may want to try giving the students smaller less involved assignments until they are more comfortable with the software. (Roblyer, 2016, p.125)
Presentation Software
Presentation Software is flexible in that you are able to use the software to support your teaching style. I would use this software by creating a PowerPoint that goes along with the lesson I am teaching. Having a PowerPoint allows the students to see what you are talking about or for you to "say and display", a way to limit the questions because it is on the board via PowerPoint Presentation. It is beneficial for visual leaners and ELL leaners in that you can have pictures that go along with the slides that help solidify what is being shown/taught. (Roblyer, 2016) Students are able to use the software to present to their classmates in a visually appealing way by including pictures, songs, and even videos (same as the teacher would to their students!) rather than typing out a paper on the subject. The teacher will also have to make sure the students do not put every single word they will be saying on the powerpoint, because then what's the point of being up there if you could just read it!
Classroom Use--Chosen Software
In my classroom I would like to implement the presentation software while teaching. It enhances the lesson, let's you "say & display", and you are also able to edit the software with ease saving you time. There have been many a lessons by previous teachers of mine that have everything they are going to say written out, or having the students copy down everything that is on the board. It causes your mind to wonder and for you not to learn because you are too busy asking your friend what you missed from the slide before. In my classroom it will be used as a way for students to see what I am asking them to do and incorporate them into the lesson by having them respond to what is on the board.
I have included a video that I have found that showcases PowerPoint Morning Work templates that are editable. I love being able to change the Morning Work to suit the needs of my class! Having this system set up in my class will also allow the students to come in during the morning and go ahead and get started without having to ask questions and allow the teacher time to take role or lunch count for the morning!
Works Cited
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
