Module 1: The "Basic Three" Software Tools in Education

The three basic software tools used in education are word processing, spreadsheets, and presenters. These three tools allow teachers with a variety of methods by which to organize and execute classroom tasks and activities both in administrative and instructional capacities.

Word processing supports a variety of instructional and administrative techniques. Roblyer & Doering (2013) note that a "teacher can use [word processing] to support any directed instruction of constructionist activity." (pg. 116) This versatility allows word processing to be utilized across a wide variety of subjects, allowing for flexible templates that can be shared by teachers across disciplines. Additionally, word processing saves time for teachers by allowing materials to be modified instead of created from scratch which helps when it comes to correcting errors and conducting rewrites (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, pg. 116)

Spreadsheet software is more limited in its application but is no less useful. According to Roblyer & Doering (2013), "Teachers use them primarily to keep budgets and gradebooks and to help teach mathematical topics." (pg. 122) This emphasis on numerical data gives spreadsheet software a focus that word processors and presenters sometimes lack. Roblyer & Doering (2013) also note that spreadsheets are excellent tools for projecting hypothetical, or "what if," scenarios. (pg. 122) By plugging data into various cells, teachers are able to project tangible quantities like future grades or potential expenses.

Presenters, like PowerPoint, are "designed to display information, including text, images, audio, and video, in a slideshow format." (Roblyer & Doering, 2003, pg. 128) This type of software is excellent for organizing lectures and increasing the impact of oral instruction. It also offers students versatility when it comes to their own assignments, as presenters are generally fairly user-friendly and have a sizeable suite of tools available for the organization of information. However, some studies have shown that presenters may have little to no positive effect on a classroom. (Roblyer & Doering, 2003, pg. 128)

Presenters provide a unique opportunity for English teachers to center a classroom discussion around important thematic elements. For instance, if I were to teach "The Old Man and the Sea," a presenter could be used to display images of the types of rigging and fishing equipment the fisherman utilizes over the course of the story. By visualizing these often obscure items, students will be able to better comprehend the Christological imagery inherent in Santiago's character. By examining the cross-shaped mast and seeing the circular holes that the fisherman's line cut into his hands, a discussion on the sacrificial nature of Santiago's voyage is facilitated. Additionally, these images could be doled out in a specific slide order so as to allow the students to organically put the pieces together, so to speak. I could display images of less obvious items first and allow the students the opportunity to make intellectual leaps towards the Christ metaphor before introducing more clear cut images like the cross-shaped mast. Presenters could provide many other literary works with similar visual aides and could further facilitate intelligent discussion. The possibilities are seemingly endless.

Additional Classroom Options for PowerPoint:

References:

Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill Prentice Hall.