Word Processing Software
Word processing is in the top running for the most diverse software available. It allows teachers to “support any directed instruction or constructivist activity” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 116). My favorite use of word processing is that documents can be saved and used again. Roblyer and Doering (2013) state, “Word processing helps teachers use preparation time more efficiently by letting them modify materials instead of creating new ones” (p. 116). There are such a variety of uses for this software that any teacher can use it as a tool for learning in any type of classroom. One issue that may arise from this software is that it allows teachers to follow the same pattern of instruction instead of seeking new ideas to help improve their classroom.Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software is such a useful tool in a classroom.
Using a spreadsheet can help “organize and manipulate numerical data” (Roblyer
& Doering, 2013, p. 122). The thing that I like the most about spreadsheet
software is that it allows students to preform calculations and vary problems
to observe different outcomes. Roblyer and Doering (2013) claim “spreadsheets
help people visualize the impact of changes in numbers” (p. 122). Having this
tool makes doing mathematics more enjoyable. One disadvantage of this software is that this is a more
complicated software to use and may take more instructional time teaching how
to use it.
Presentation Software
Presentation software is a great tool for the classroom if
used appropriately. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), “presentation
software… helps communicate complex information more quickly” (p. 115).
Presentation software can be used to supplement a lecture to help student’s
connect a visual to a concept. One disadvantage of presentation software is
that it is generally misused. However, if a teacher can learn to use this
software correctly, it will greatly benefit their classroom by “helping
organize and topic and enhancing the impact of spoken information” (Roblyer
& Doering, 2013, p. 134).
Classroom Use
All of the software mentioned above can be easily integrated
into a mathematics classroom. One software that I think could be particularly
useful in my classroom is presentation software. I can use this software to incorporate
graphics into a lecture. As a teacher, I plan of focusing my classroom on real
world math. If I can incorporate real world pictures and data, it will help to
engage the students even more. In this video, I like how he shows how he uses
PowerPoint and real world pictures rather than only textbook graphics.
http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_meyer_math_curriculum_makeover?language=en
References
Roblyer, M.D., Doering, A. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (6th ed.).
Boston: Pearson.
