All of these resources would be beneficial to use in order to support the teaching and learning process. Picking two from the list was hard but I thinking presentation software and games will help students learn best. The reason I chose these two was because they helped me in school. As a teacher you have to engage your students and get them interested in the material. I feel that if done right these two resources can do this.
Throughout my academic career I have had to sit through my fair share of PowerPoint presentations, some good some bad. Programs like Prezi enhance the "PowerPoint" experience and make things more appealing. PowerPoints have always helped me in class. I liked having that visual to take notes off of while the teacher talked. I think they can be way overdone or underdone. You have to find that balance in regards to the amount of information you present on each slide or the effects you have in place (background color, slide transition, sound, etc.). I feel that PowerPoints are there to guide a teacher while giving the student a chance pull what they feel is important and write it down.
Games are great because they are something kids already like to do. Educational games allow students to grasp a better understand of a concept through repetition and practice. Every kid looks forward to computer time and teachers should use that to their advantage. There are so many gaming websites and apps that have educational games. I definitely think there has to be rules and limits put into place because these can't replace actual work but they should act as an addition. Games don't have to be just on the computer. There are interactive games you can play in class or outside to help with a lesson. I observed in a class that played "Sparkle" to learn their spelling words or played "Around the World" to practice their times tables. Games can get kids up and moving and are a fun way to learn.
Ashlyn, I agree that selecting two resources could be difficult, but for me, I went with what was familiar, for assignment purposes. Since I am from a generation that did not have the majority of the resources available, this assignment (and pretty much most of the course) should be a bit easier for the "around twenty-something" students. Having first hand experience as a student with technology resources has to assist an education major or new teacher in making an informed decision.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of "Prezi" until I read your post. Others know of it too. I will check it out, so that I may find another alternative to "Powerpointing my students to death"! :-)
Ashlyn,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the power point being to overdone! I just completed a group power point in one of my classes. There are several groups whose slide show looks overwhelming. There is a lot of words and not very much color or visuals. I have always loved power point, but am not that great at designing them. I am so glad we chose someone else to put it together because it looks great! It's very easy to read and has corresponding charts and graphs.
Also, I have never heard of Sparkle, but I a am a huge Spelling fan!
Brooke
I am with you all the way on your two selections. I myself chose games and clickers, but your point about how any of these would be great tools to use is very true. Games are something that keep kids engaged as the day goes on. When we are able to mix in a game for the kids, it can have a huge boost to their attention span and energy towards learning. As for the other selection, presentation software is a must for any classroom. We all have been through good and bad presentations throughout our academic careers. The teacher’s job will be to make sure the presentations are well put together and also entertaining enough to keep the students engaged.
ReplyDelete