Chapter Three, Reading Notes

1. Chapter Three, Reading Notes Maria Gonzalez November 2, 2008 EDUU 451 Chapman University College

2. Productivity Tools in the Work of Teachers and Students 1 • An assumption was made in regards to educators recognizing the general benefits of productivity tools and then considerations were made on how they might provide similar benefits to students. • Reconsidering the logic of this approach and have noted that teachers are often proficient in their use of technology, or may frequently use technology to support their own work as teachers, but often times create few assignments that require students to use technology. In fact, newer teachers, who are more confident in their technological capabilities will involve their students less with technology even less than teachers who have been in the teaching profession for six to ten years. This can be the case due to limited amounts of computers being furnished in a classroom. We can then see it is not an issue directly related to the teacher, but the availability of technology, or in this case computer, in a school setting. • Example: Four students to one computer when trying to complete school assignments.

3. Productivity Tools in the Work of Teachers and Students 2 • First year teachers also face challenges and learning how they will work more effectively with students. This factor would also explain a lower student use of technology integration due to it being perceived as an instructional goal, rather than a core approach to teaching and learning. Another way of understanding this fact is that understanding how to use technology is not the same as understanding how to teach using technology

4. The Tools Approach 1 • Tool: Is an object that allows the user to perform tasks with greater efficiency or quality. One good example of a tool is a calculator, which allows a student to add series of numbers quickly and accurately, compared to adding the same series of numbers, but with use of pencil and paper. • In a larger and broader sense, a computer along with a combination of different types of software can function as if it were many tools. A computer’s tool function can be used to improve the efficiency and quality of the user’s information. Computer applications such as graphics programs and computer tools are used to explore and communicate using the internet.

5. The Tools Approach 2 • Working with computer tools may benefit students on several levels by: • Learning to use the computer tools. • Performing certain academic tasks more effectively and efficiently because of the tools. • Learning domains skills such as writing and problem solving or acquiring content area knowledge through the application of computer tools to content appropriate tasks. • Mind tool: Technology as an intellectual partner. This is apposed o the term tool, which we encountered at the beginning of this section.

6. Word Processing • Definition: An application allowing the entry, manipulation, and storage of text and one of the most popular uses of computer technology in schools. • Reasons for word processing popularity within schools: • Most widely used computer application in work and home environments. • (Educators are sensitive to the development of skills valued in these setting.) • Writing is one of the most fundamental skills taught in school • Word processing program features may help students write more effectively and develop writing skills quickly. • Writing is a skill that may contribute to the generation and integration of personal knowledge in content areas. • Writing forces students to internalize what they know as they attempt to put ideas on a computer screen and requires an active use of knowledge.

7. Characteristics of Word Processing Programs • Most word processing programs allow users to accomplish the same set of basic functions such as: text input, storage and retrieval, formatting, editing, and printing. Many word processing programs also allow integration of graphics, audio and video.

8. Text Input • These word processing programs have special features that optimize a writer’s ability to input text. One of these features that most computer users often take for granted is word wrap. Word wrap is when the computer automatically moves the beginning of the next line when the word being entered would extend to the right margin.

9. Storage and Retrieval • Definition: Involves the process of saving a copy of a document to disk and loading a saved document from the disk back to computer memory. • This is ideal for students learning to write using a word processing program, because they may submit a first copy of their saved work and be able to go back a second time and make corrections according to comments made by teacher.

10. Formatting • Definition: Physical appearance of a document created with a word processor. • A writer may apply these features at the level of the character, paragraph, or entire document. • Font: Design of the character and the alignment of text on the screen, or printed page • Style: Alters a particular font in terms of slant or thickness. • Setting tabs, Margins, text justification, and line spacing: These are formatting settings at the paragraph level and control

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