MS Word

           I came to this class with decent experience in MS Word, as I trained with it for a previous job as an editor. However, I never utilized all the graphic capabilities, so the training from this class was especially helpful. I know that my ability to use these skills will undoubtedly help me teach them to my students. Specifically, showing children how to cut and paste pictures and create graphics will get them excited to do projects for all content areas in MS Word, which will add to their learning. MS Word is probably the most common software used by students, so its implementation and comprehension are important for students at an early age.

Excel

            With no experience in Excel, I was eager to learn about this software. I definitely see the benefit to Excel for teacher record-keeping, and I plan on using this method, if possible. For students, I think it would be beneficial to weave Excel into the curriculum by having them use it to test mathematical formulas and check their answers once they have done the work traditionally. Additionally, students could use Excel to draw graphs of their work, which would reinforce the concepts they are learning. I think it is important to integrate this software to some degree, even at an early age, because it will prepare them for its use later in their educational careers and ultimately in the workplace.

PowerPoint

            I was a bit intimidated by this software, but after countless hours developing my project, I understand it well. The challenge, however, is being able to deliver a lesson that has minimal text and impactful graphics and animation while still covering the necessary content. After completing this project, I firmly believe that a PowerPoint presentation should complement traditional instruction because it will serve a purpose as a form of differentiated instruction. It should not stand on its own; rather, it is a support piece to traditional methods. To this end, I believe that the visual impact of PowerPoint is important and will encourage deep learning, so its value is not to be neglected. There is a concern, however, with educators using it appropriately, whether it is due to the level of training or its availability within a school or district.

Internet for Educators

            This part of the instruction was extremely useful. While nearly everyone has searched the Internet at some point or another, I would be curious as to how many now the variety of methods than can be utilized for a search. Specifically, I found the ¡†advanced search¡Ö feature of Google to be extremely helpful in narrowing searches. In the classroom, this feature would be most useful to students because it would show them how to effectively and expediently conduct a search, saving them much time when doing research. As a teacher, I would incorporate this method into lessons because it would show students the advantages of effective Internet searches. Moreover, it would prepare students for the rest of their educational careers. Since most schools have access to computers, there would not be an issue with equity in this case. However, it would be necessary that schools have blocks on their machines to discourage inappropriate searching.

Electronic Portfolios

            While there will always be an argument between paper and electronic versions of material (Does one prefer to read the actual newspaper or the online version?), I can now see the value of the e-portfolio because it allows for so much more information with engaging graphics for the viewer, as opposed to a paper portfolio. Moreover, the ability to update the e-portfolio can¡Ùt be ignored, as it is very simple to change. And there is an advantage to its convenience because a Web address is all that is necessary to direct someone to its location. However, as is the downside with any technology, the viewer is at the mercy of the connectability. If the server is down, you are out of luck. On the upside, e-portfolios could be used for elementary and secondary students¡Ù work, providing them with a graphically exciting and easily viewed forum for their work. At the same time, its use would supply them with electronic editing skills, another valuable tool for their future. Again, not every school district can afford this technology, so there are issues with equity. A school district would have to debate the educational value of e-portfolios in relation to cost.