Blog Post Number 7

Presentation software is great in the K-12 classroom. It is hard for me to think of any disadvantages unless the concept is misconstrued and the software not used properly. Advantages are obvious- displaying the information needing to be portrayed in front of the class in an organized and interesting manner. The pitfalls I believe many fall into however, are clear. One thing many people do is make powerpoint presentations using too much text. Bulletpoints are the best way to keep audience attention while you can verbally expand on each point, rather than simply reading off the powerpoint. The other pitfall is getting carried away with too many graphics and/or special effects.

Powepoint is a very useful program for supporting student learning at each of the knowledge dimensions covered in Chapter 5 for a particular lessons. For one of our assignments we had to prepare a powerpoint to teach a certain lesson and mine was designed for a kindergarten classroom in learning the alphabet. This powerpoint was able to cover each learning dimension in order to ensure a full knowledge experience for the students. The first knowledge dimension is memorization. This was ensured in the powerpoint through an exercise presented upon the powerpoint where students recited the letters. The next dimension is understanding, the powerpoint offers points for discussion and questions in order to ensure that the students understand what is going on. The next point is application, and like the exercise for memorization, the students have to apply what they learned in order to identify objects and names starting with that particular letter. Analyzing is supported by the previously stated points as well. The students are asked to evaluate the exercises to see what worked and what didn’t. And finally, the students will assist me in creating a powerpoint for the next series of letters.

The issue related to educational technology that likely most interests me is the issue of Web 2.0 technology. I believe that the controversy surrounding this is both fascinating and uncalled for. Web 2.0 technology is simply the future of technology. The students we will be dealing with as educators will be raised in a society where “Twittering” and “BBMing” are the norm. They will see blogging and social networking from the time they are born. The idea of incorporating these aspects of technology into education seems not only wise, but necessary. An environment where these types of endeavors are not welcome would be uninviting and not conducive for the future learner.