Power Points

   I like using the writing activities with technology. I really like the map concept. Having the students working on the computer getting ideas for their research project will get them excited about it. It would be nice to have my students use the smart board for their research paper; but that would take up too much class time. I could also have my class use the smart board to give comments on anonymous papers. By using the clickers with the smart board we could read a paper aloud and have the students give anonymous feedback on the paper.

   The one thing that power points do is distract people. When students make their power point they put too much animation, or non-relevant information that the audience stops listening and reading to the presentation. I do believe I can follow the pitfalls and I have done some of these things. But now I know what can do to better my power point presentation.

   Power points are a great way of getting your point across and informing your audience of a topic. They are fun to do and create. Out of all the Microsoft programs power points are the best thing that they created. I think my students will have fun doing power points presentations.

Jonassen, David, Howland, Jane, Marra, Rose M., Crismond, David. (2008). Supporting
Writing With Technology, Meaningful Learning With Technology, pp. 62-79, Columbus,
OH: Pearson Prentice Hall

Week 6

Personal digital assistants (PDA) are small computers that fit in your hand. PDA’s can store numbers, email address, access the internet, keep dates and so on. I have seen PDA’s used in classrooms and planetariums; it was very interesting to see the range of these small computers. I was amazed in the planetarium; my teacher was accessing everything for the show right in front of us. There was a delay issue but still very effective. I would use the PDA in the classroom if I was doing different PowerPoint’s or videos. PDA’s allow you to wonder around the classroom and monitor your students while teaching in an effective manner.

We use online surveys to collect data on a subject or area. I have taken many surveys for my friends in master programs. They are pretty fun and interesting. I think surveys would be good in the classroom. I think I would use the surveys after I do a lab. Some students may not like the lab that I have chosen for that week, learning should benefit both the teacher, and the student and these surveys can help. I think the best 2 rules to follow is not to be bias and avoid long questions. If I were giving these surveys to the students, they wouldn’t want to finish it if it was too long.

            This technology in the classroom is a great way to show the students that the teacher know about the up and coming gadgets and online activities. I can see myself using these tools all the time. Students today have a hard time paying attention to what is going on around them. PDA’s and Online Surveys are ways of finding out what they are interested in and keeping up with ever changing technology.

Jonassen, D. Howland, J. Marra, R. M. Crismond, D. (2008). Maeningful Learning With Technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Merrill Prentice Hill.