Chapter 4 Reflections

Thus far this semester I've researched and learned about many different educational software and tools that can be used in the classroom effectively.  One question that can pop into a teacher's mind is how to know which program will be more effective in their classroom.  It'll obviously depend on what the subject material is, like a history class won't use graphic design software too much.  So the program I would choose for my class would most definately be word processing.  Word processing programs such as Microsoft Word helps students save time, enhances document appearance, allows sharing of documents and allows collaboration of documents (Roblyer and Doering 2010).  For a liberal arts class, this is a great tool for students, because they are able to submit organized and presentable papers.  It doesn't necessarily mean the paper was well written, but the program does allow it to be shared easier for peer review.  There are other programs I would use such as, spreadsheets and presentational, but not all students have access to them outside of school because of the programs cost.  A written report would be easier for a student to work on.  I believe it's important for students to learn how to use these programs at an early age, because it'll allow them to get familiar with the software.  Every program has multiple functions, and it can be overwhelming for anybody to learn how to use something on short notice.  Teach students the basic functions of those programs, allow them to experiment, that way they're able to use it more effectively later on during their education or even during their careers.  Mary Beth Hertz, a K-8 technology teacher in Philadelphia, says that fourth graders should be developing basic computer skills, such as typing, word processing and presentations (Hertz 2011).  So how would a teacher further their development?  I honestly doubt the average elemtary grade student uses word processing programs or presentational progams during their summer break, so they most likely need to be re-familiarized with some computer functions every year.  I don't believe that technology can improve a students standardized test scores, because technology is an educational tool, not the provider.  I do believe that it can assist the students in their education, which has the potential to improve their test scores.  Technology allows us to get away from the traditional teacher based education, where all they do is read from a textbook.  A recent study suggests that a blended learning program, a mixture of traditional classroom with technology based, does help a student improve basic algebra skills (Sheridan 2013).  I can't help but wonder what would a technology-only based classroom be like?  What kind of results would they get from that?

Bibliography:
1.  Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A.H. "The Impact of Word Processing in Education" July 20, 2010 Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall retrieved from: http://www.education.com/reference/article/impact-word-processing-education/

2.  Hertz, Mary Beth "Great Tech Expectations: What Should Elementary Students Be Able to Do and When?"  July 13, 2011 George Lucas Educational Foundation.  retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/elementary-technology-skills-mary-beth-hertz

3.  Sheridan, Kelly "Blended Learning Improves Test Skills: Study" August 13, 2013 Information Week.  retrieved from: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobile-devices/blended-learning-improves-test-scores-study/d/d-id/1111129?