This week I learned about online communication tools and software that can be used in the academic setting. To be honest, the amount of choices for both software and communication tools can be a bit overwhelming. For the software alone there are multiple programs that range from pieces of software that were developed for business settings and can be adapted for use in the classroom, to pieces of software that were specifically developed for use in educational settings. I have also researched acceptable use policies.
Of all the types of software that were presented this week, I think that all had useful places in the classroom. I do have some concerns about the drill and practice software. This is because, as a student, I remember when they installed the first real computer lab at my elementary school - when I was in approximately the fifth grade. For the next three or so years, we were marched to the lab about three times a week for what amounted to thirty minutes of math drills. I totally agree with the textbook when it said that some people call those types of software "drill and kill." I can say that my experience with this software was far from positive and contributed to my dislike of math as a subject.
I did like the PowerPoint project suggested in the video "Technology Support for Teachers." The teacher gave her class an assignment to interview a member of their family that was a veteran. The students then created a slide about the person they interviewed. The slides were then compiled into a master PowerPoint where clicking on a students image hyperlinked them to that student's slide. I can definitely envision using this assignment (perhaps modified slightly) in my classroom.
One of the categories of software that really intrigued me was simulator software. I think that these types of software really have the potential to give students educational experiences that would be too dangerous, costly or otherwise unfeasible. I also was intrigued by the brainstorming/concept mapping software that was presented in the text. I have heard some teachers at the school where I am subbing talking about the "kidspiration" software; but I have not had any experience working with this kind of software. I think this is a great way to reach kids with different learning styles, allowing them to be creative, while at the same time helping them to work through complex ideas. I also liked how the teacher in the video "concept mapping in a one or two computer classroom" showed how she split her students up by day, thus allowing them to complete their weekly assignment using limited computer resources. Another good idea was demonstrated when they printed out all of their work and compiled a notebook at the end of the year.
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