Powerpoint in the Classroom

Last week in class we took a look at Powerpoint in the classroom. During my internship I had my students create an alphabet book using Powerpoint. Each student took a letter and created one slide around that letter. Then I put them all together to create the Powerpoint alphabet book. The students really enjoyed learning how to use Powerpoint but they were developing their language arts skills at the same time. I felt this was a useful way to incorporate Powerpoint in my classroom.

In class I also learned that Powerpoints do not always have to be linear. The ability to move throughout a presentation in a non-linear fashion could be very useful. I know I have seen unit plans organized on Powerpoint. It is easy to pick a lesson to read by clicking on the table of contents. Then you can simply press a button and return to the main page to read another one. This is a very useful way to navigate through a Powerpoint.

However, I know that simply using Powerpoint does not necessarily improve a lesson or make it more interactive. Seeing notes on a Powerpoint and copying them is not really any more interactive than taking notes off the chalkboard. It seems that sometimes people feel that simply using Powerpoint is enough to make their presentation or lesson special. I personally feel that Powerpoint should be used in ways that make presentations or lessons more interactive and engaging. Technology should be used to enhance lessons rather than just used for the sake of using it.

Online books

This blog relates to an article that appeared several years ago. However, I think the debate is still relevant. It deals with whether or not books published entirely online would replace traditional paper and ink books. So far, some online books have not sold as well as hoped. I believe this is because there are still many benefits to traditional books. I read a lot of things online but not pages and pages at a time. I read shorts article and some brief emails. I understand that online books save money by saving costs for paper and ink. However, when I want to read something in depth for a long period of time I still want a traditional book. This is for several reasons. First, the bright light of the computer screen can be hard on the eyes if I read for long periods. Also , I like to take books different places. I can easily take a book all over the place. I can throw a small paperback into my purse and take it with me if I know I will be sitting in a waiting room for a long period of time. I can easily take a paperback to read in bed. Although laptops are relatively light and easy to move, I don't find them as convenient as traditional books. While I enjoy using a computer and reading things online I still want a traditional book when I want to read a novel. The original article can be found here: http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,35920-1.html?tw=wn_story_page_next1

Spell checking in the classroom

In my pre-internship my students were constantly typing the final drafts of their writing in Microsoft word. This was a great way for students to create neat work that could be combined in class books. It also helped the students with editing. Spell check was a quick way to help the students fix up their own work and it also saved the teacher time. We did not have to help the students spell every word. However, I also believe that teachers need to be sure to teach students how to use spell check and to still take part in the editing process. Students need to know that spell check is not always right. Sometimes a word can be marked as incorrect simply because it is not in the system. Students also need to be able to decide which word they should pick to replace the misspelled one. Therefore, while I believe that spell check helps students to edit their work, teachers need to be sure that they don't let it replace one-on-one editing instruction.

Free Technology from Tuesday's Class

I really liked learning about free software like Open Office in class. As a student I know that everyone needs to have access to a wordprocessing program. In most cases we are not allowed to handwrite our reports and essays. As well we are often expected to use PowerPoint, Excel and other programs to make presentations. However as a teacher I know that all students do not have the money to buy Microsoft Office. OpenOffice seems to be just as useful as Microsoft Office. This is a great way to introduce all our students to technology and to give them the tools they need to successfully complete their school work.

Online PD

I recently came across a blog that deals with online professional development. It raised the questions of whether teachers get more out of online PD or standard PD meetings. I personally believe that a mix of both is probably best. Online work saves time and money. Teachers are busy people and just being able to turn on the computer can be easier than driving to another school in another town for professional development. As well, it is easier to connect with more people online. For example, when I interned I would never have a chance to meet with some of the teachers in my division because they were too far away. If I was working through PD online I would be able to connect with teachers from all over the division. Teachers all have great ideas so I feel that the more people I can connect with the better.

However, I also believe that teachers need face to face communication. These teachers probably live near by and are therefore dealing with similar issues. By meeting with each other I believe teachers interact and create lasting connections that may not occur online. Therefore it seems to me that both online and face-to-face PD opportunities will benefit teachers. By taking part in both, teachers will get the widest range of information.

To read the blog entitled "Mind Over Medium" go to this link: http://www.teachermagazine.org/tm/articles/2007/01/01/04research.h18.html

2nd Blog

I thought I'd take this time to enter my second blog. I've never used a blog before but I'm starting to see how it could be of value in the classroom. Teachers and students could effectively use this as a line of communication. I also think that one of the real benefits would be that students' peers would be able to read and respond to their classmates. I believe that students need to have a purpose when writing. Writing for an audience can encourage a student to do their best work. Because students would realize that their peers could read their blogs, I believe they work to the best of their ability.

I believe that technology can be very useful in the classroom. During my internship I used the internet to find interactive websites that related to my units. Somtimes it was difficult to find websites that I felt were appropriate for grade one because so many sites required that the students be readers. However, I did find some that the students really enjoyed. I discovered that students really enjoy using computers. They found the games to be a lot of fun but they were learning important concepts at the same time. Because they were so enthusiastic to use the computer they were also enthusiatic to learn the concepts I was teaching. One of the units I taught was on nutrition. I found this website had several games that helped the students distinguish between "sometimes" and "everyday" foods. Have a look at it at this website: http://www.dole5aday.com/.

In class we looked at the TuxMath and Tuxtype games. I found Tuxtype to be a lot more entertaining than the typing programs I used during school. I remember that I couldn't wait for typing time to be over so that we could do something fun in computers. I feel that using programs like this would be fun for the students so they would be developing important computer skills and having fun at the same time. What could be a better way to teach these things?

I also noticed that Tristan posted a great website on her blog. The interactive dinosaur website that she mentions is exactly the kind of interactive website that I am talking about. Kids seem to really enjoy exploring these sights and therefore really enjoy learning the content that is addressed. This is one way that I believe technology can benefit teachers and students.

My first blog

This is my first blog for ECMP 355. Blogger seems like it should be easy to use. I'm looking forward to learning more about technology in the classroom throughout this semester.