The
“Basic Three”
Referencing 21st century technology in
the education field, the “basic three” refers to the three main software
programs that teachers use in the classroom. These three programs are word
processing, presentation software and spreadsheets. It is stated by Roblyer and
Doering (2013) that these software programs “save time on clerical types of
tasks.” (114). Overall, the “Basic Three” aid in making everyday tasks, such
organizing and presenting, easier for educators.
Word
Processing Software
Word processing typically deals with documents.
These documents often include text and/or graphics that can be printed onto
paper. This software is the most common and Roblyer and Doering (2013) exclaim
that “Perhaps no other technology resource has had as great an impact on
education as word processing.” (116). From the perspective of a teacher, this
software would greatly benefit the process of written assignments in the
classroom. Not only does word processing help the teacher by providing a clean
and professional looking document, it also helps the student by providing an
easy way to produce and edit the given writing assignment. It is argued that
word processing has an issue with negatively affecting handwriting (Roblyer and
Doering, 2013, 120). However, I feel that this argument is based in bias
nostalgia.
Presentation
Software
Presentation software provides a display of
information. This display can include script, graphics, audio and/or video in
slideshow format (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, 128). I would use this software as
a teacher in order to prevent students from getting lost throughout lectures.
When used correctly, presentation software can act as a positive guide for
students in order to follow along through a lecture. Unfortunately, many
educators abuse this software. There are many issues of teachers relying too
heavily on presentation software and creating a droned out, repetitive learning
environment.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheet software tends to deal with organizing. Revolving
around numerical information, spreadsheets can also calculate and work equations
in a systematic and ordered fashion. Roblyer and Doering (2013) do an excellent
job at explaining spreadsheets by saying “A spreadsheet helps users manage
numbers in the same way that word processing helps them manage words.” (122).
Teachers deal with numbers on a daily basis, primarily with grades and
performance averages. I would definitely consider using this software for
keeping a grade book. An organized calculative chart of numbers will certainly
come in handy when it comes to keeping track of multiple student averages.
However, this software tends to have an issue with intimidating students. It
can take a while for a student to become comfortable with spreadsheet software.
Topic
and Software Choice
While teaching a topic of History, I would use
presentation software as an aid. I would provide a power point with my lecture
on the given historical topic. I would use this software the correct way by
already being knowledgeable about the topic and only including general concepts
on the slides to act as a guide for students.
This video explains proper power point use:
Like the idea of using presentation software for a history class. You could also use it to display maps or pictures of artifacts or people. The text also had a good idea of displaying a group of people and letting the class pick the right one for the discussion (132).
ReplyDeleteYour idea of using presentation software as a start to a much broader discussion through lecture is great. I have seen Power Point presentations that were less than interesting. Educators sometimes let Power Point presentation slides become their lecture. I agree with the quote in the text stating, "Power corrupts and Power Point corrupts absolutely" (Roblyer & Doering, 2012, p.128).
ReplyDeleteJoey,
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed in our groups, using Powerpoint effectively is a surprisingly difficult art to master, especially for a field like History that relies so heavily on background information and key concepts.Roblyer and Doering (2012) are aware as well when they say that "teachers [are] becoming more aware of the most effective uses of presentation software" (130). Sounds like that along with your video, you have a great basis to make an effective presentation for class!