1. There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lesson?
Technology is integrated as a tool into teaching and learning activities with the vision to enhance and expand the student's understanding and experiences with and beyond the textbook and classroom walls (Morrison-Lowther, 92). There are various types of software and technology programs used by teachers and students but there are five basic categories that educators tend to use in classroom today. They are:
Productivity, Research, Communication, Problem-solving and Educational Software. Each category is set up to enhance the teacher's lessons. The lesson plan is created around an objective and the materials are chosen by examining the expectations of the lesson plan. It is wise for a teacher to choose software that will enable the students to succeed and successfully complete their assignment. Therefore, plan accordingly, choose and provide software that will make learning easy, productive, and fun! Make sure that the software coordinates with the lesson and meets the goals.
2. I understand why students should use educational software and the Internet, but why should my fourth-grade students learn to use spreadsheet, database, or video editing software?
Spreadsheets allow students, elementary through high school, to carry out two primary functions when working with numeric information (Morrison-Lowther, 95). It performs calculations and creates graphs. Most of the functions available in spreadsheets are automated. There are many subjects that can be calculated into a spreadsheet and this serves as a great visual and representation of data for students and teachers. Databases store sets of information in data files. This makes retrieval of files easy and effective because it can store important information about educational topics. Video editing software is increasing in schools because students can video, edit and download their information all with one device. Videos are great tools for capturing a student's work, peer interviews, personal reflections, and to record important information that can be viewed at a later time. All three of these tools can serve as educational items.
3. How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests?
Software can target very specific content or grade-level subject areas and can increase test scores by determining a student's strengths and weaknesses (Morrison-Lowther, 119). Once these are determined, remediation can take place and student's test scores will increase.
Resources:
Morrison, G., & Lowther, D. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom, Skills for the 21st Century (Fourth Edition). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
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