Software for Educators
This post is discuss the three primary types of software used by educators to support and better enrich their lessons. In addition I will include the specific benefits of each piece of software and in conclusion discuss the one that would best the style of teaching I would plan to do.
Word Processing Software
To begin with we’ll discuss what is probably the most widely used piece of software by educators as well as the general public, word processing software. Throught the use of word processing software educators are able to create lesson plans, handouts, syllabi, name tags, permission slips, project overviews, etcetera. Essentially anything an educator would like for their students to have a hard copy of can be accomplished here. Recent additions to basic word processing softwares include web enabled features, auto word wrapping, new templates and even voice recognition. 1. Page113 The drawbacks of using word processors primarily include a deterioration of handwriting skills and a dependency on spellcheck and other tools.
Spreadsheet Software
Next up spreadsheet software. The use of spreadsheets allows the students teacher to save time by being able to complete calculations quickly through the use of formulas. Users also have the ability to organize information through the use of columns and rows. In addition these types of software also help show students how certain types of math actually work. Spreadsheets cover a wide variety of time saving features useful to both student and educator alike, such as complex calculations, auto recalculations and data sorting. 1. Pages 122-123 Spreadsheet software though has its drawbacks, most specifically being their vulnerability to fraud, their susceptibility to trivial human error and they’re notoriously difficult to troubleshoot.
Presentation Software
Finally is presentation software. This type of software is used to display information such as text, images, and audio/video through the use of a slideshow format. This type of software accomplishes many things through its implementation. Of which include, organization of a topic, enhancing spoken word and opens up the option for collaboration on a topic/project. The possibilities of how and what you can present with this software are endless. 1. Pages 127-128 On the downside, with presentation software you run the risk of your viewer becoming bored and losing their attention. Also unless paired with one of the other softwares we have discussed, most of your information is left merely to remember without any reference for the viewer to refer to at a later date.
Classroom Use: Presentation Software
Classroom Use: Presentation Software
In conclusion I’d like to cover the type of software I feel would be most beneficial to my area of teaching and that would be presentation software. Through the use of this software I would be able to create a more visual learning experience for such a visual subject, photography. This software would allow for the presentation of not only concepts and how-to’s but also a visual history of the subject. Although most often when presentation software is mentioned many automatically think of Microsoft PowerPoint, I personally prefer using a piece of software called Prezi. This software is available online and free to use. It allows for a more dynamic and engaging presentation in contrast to just moving from slide to slide and can allow the creator the really show the big picture of a topic and how each part relates.
- Roblyer, M. D. (n.d.). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th ed.). NJ: Pearson.
