Readings – Session 2
Response due by noon on September 15, 2008
Readings:
Is PowerPoint Crippling Our Students?
Processing Ideas; Move Beyond Word Processing Into Critical Thinking
At their most basic levels word processing and presentation software allow users to prepare printed documents and “slide shows” to back up lectures. However, as we discussed in our first session, it is not the software itself but what you ask your students to do with it that matters in terms of its educational value. Do you think these readings support or disprove this premise? How so?
September 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I feel that the first article “Is PowerPoint crippling our students?” argues both opinions fairly. I think that I tend to agree with the no answer, but that is just my personal opinion. I remember being in computer class in junior high and even elementary school, and having to do a power point presentation. It was a major project, and I was so awe struck with the ability to be able to put music on the PowerPoint to go along. It was something I had never done before. Not only did it allow me to learn something new and different, but I also was able to teach others if they were having difficulty which in turn also increases my ability to do the same thing.
I also feel that because each student learns in different ways, and have different learning styles, having something like a PowerPoint as a visual aid for a project or a lesson, might help the students to learn better and help to facilitate how they absorb the information. I know for me, the teachers that do power points even in college; I tend to learn better from, because I am a visual and a kinetic learner. I can’t just sit and listen to instructions or lectures and absorb all of the information. I feel that power points are great tools for the classroom.
I also personally don’t know what I would do without the use of a computer. Everything in today’s society is based on technology, as was mentioned in class. I think that although students might be able to absorb at different rates using the computer, computers and technology should be permitted in the classroom. It helps with hand-eye coordination, strengthens reading skills, and allows students to research different topics using several different methods not available without a computer.