Chapter 5

I think that the different types of additional software support tools are very interesting to learn about. I was not really aware of all of the different types, and have not had much experience with them. The Materials Generators seemed very useful. Desktop Publishing Software seemed like a really good tool for having students use to create projects such as brochures. Whenever I used to do projects like this, I would use a word processors to do parts of it and then cut out and paste things onto other paper. If I were able to use a desktop publishing software program, my work may have looked more professional and I may have taken more pride in my work. These types of programs seem very useful for reporting research and aiding creative thinking. The test and rubric generators, as well as the worksheet and puzzle generators seem to be extremely useful for teachers. I have never experienced using a test or worksheet generator, but I hope that in the future I have access to them because their benefits seem to be huge. I am curious to know if most teachers use these, or if not, how most teachers create their tests and worksheets.
I found that the different types of Data Collection and Analysis Tools all were pretty interesting and useful. Of course, the electronic gradebooks, statistical packages, and students information systems are great tools for teachers. Also, the computer-based testing systems are great for having students complete tests on their own and receive immediate feedback. On the other hand, I do not think that they should be used all the time, or even very frequently depending on the course. I think that the most beneficial tool of this type is the student response system. I have used what we called "clickers" in a few classrooms before. I think that they really get the students involved, and they are anonymous so other students won't know who answered correctly or incorrectly. Also, I have used the program called DyKnow, which offers a way that all students can have a multiple choice question come up on their screen and they have to answer it. I really liked how these systems involved all students, so everyone had to answer.
I think that the Graphics Tools are really cool and useful for school and also personal use. Draw and paint programs, image editing tools, and the collections of clip art, animation, sound etc are great for letting students and teachers express themselves not only in words. These can motivate students more and foster creativity. The charting and graphing tools also do this, but they are also beneficial in aiding in mathematical processes and understanding mathematics. They offer a created visual to go along with certain data. Graphics tools are very helpful for making normal papers or ideas more interesting and pleasing.
Planning and organizing tools are also really important. Lesson Planning software and Scheduling and Time Management tools are beneficial for teachers in obvious ways. They basically make things a little easier and less time-consuming. Outlining tools and Concept Mapping Software is a little different. I like how it helps students, or even teachers develop their own ideas. This type of tool does not create ideas, but just helps the individual organize them and develop the ideas more. I think that outlining and mapping ideas really helps when writing an essay or even solving a problem and making this available on the computer is very beneficial.
Research and reference tools like electronic encyclopedia, atlases, and dictionaries seem to be just the regular thing except on the computer. However, I think that they really offer a lot more. I remember anytime I had a project or something to research, I would always pop in my Encarta CD-Rom. Now, I would probably just search the Internet, but both ways are very helpful. Having this information on the computer, allows for very easing searching and wide ranges of information. Also, these things can provide you with multimedia and interactive data or information that can greatly enhance the learning experience about a specific topic.
Finally, the last section of the text just described other tools for specific content areas. In particular for math, graphing calculators are a very beneficial tool. However, it is very important that students to not rely on the calculator. I think that not enough teachers stress the idea that the calculator is a tool, an aide. It should not do the work for you. Graphing calculators are particularly useful for graphing information and letting the data be viewed. Also, I have had some experience with computer calculation systems such as "Maple". This computer type of calculator offers even more advanced calculations than a graphing calculator.
Basically, there are so many different software programs that offer such a variety of opportunities and aide in the classroom to both students and teachers. It is important for teachers to use what is available to them in a way that is helpful to their students.