After reading other chapters of the book, I have found that Chapter 5 has bought into light how we misuse certain technological applications, and how these applications can be better used to help students communicate more effectively in the classroom. One of the powerful points this chapter highlighted was the use of PowerPoint. Arguably we have been using this application to create presentations for our collegiate classes, and having students use it for presenting in the classroom. We think that we understand how to use this application, but for many of us we have only touched the surface of how to better use this application.
The chapter notes that we are teaching students how to use the basic functions of PowerPoint, to create the standard presentation. Unfortunately, we have yet to let the students explore the different tools available in PowerPoint, and create their own presentations. I know that in I have been guilty of this, and due time constraints have shown students the "shortcut" in creating presentations. After reading this portion of the chapter, I feel that I will now teach the students the basics of the application, but allow them to explore other tools to design their unique presentation. One of the biggest ways I can help the students understand the application, and use it more effectively is to give them more time on assignments. By giving students more time to create presentations allows them the opportunity to explore the program more in depth, and bring back questions to help them create a better project. I know that since I have been using PowerPoint, I have been able to design better, and more effective presentations, because I have had the time to explore PowerPoint more in detail. Students need to be afforded this opportunity as well so that their presentations become better communicative.
Another point that was made by the chapter is that the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB), is also used ineffectively in the classroom. The chapter notes that the IWB in the classrooms are often used as a video screen, and an electronic blackboard. Unfortunately, the IWB have functions that can be utilized to help students become more interactive, and communicative in the classroom. Again, here I am guilty of not using the full potential of the technology that is available. In this instance, I plan to create word, and other interactive games for the students to use. The IWB can be used with a technology called Activotes, where students are given a particular question and can "vote" for the correct answer from their seats. After groups present their projects, I can assist them in creating an interactive IWB game for the rest of the class to test their comprehension of what they learned.
You touch on something that I see on a daily basis, yet see very little that deals with the problem: misuse and/or poor use of technology. I appreciate your communication of and bringing awareness to the problem.
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