This week assignment asked us to think about our own comfort level with productivity software. Well for starters I believed that I am quite comfortable with technology. I am the team liaison and I try to stay up to date with today’s technology. I am quite savvy when it comes to Microsoft word, powerpoint, Elmo, Movie maker, Photo Story and Black Board. I am also comfortable using the flip camera especially when I up load the pictures to make a movie. After each unit, I usually have the students upload their work and either create a movie using the Movie maker software. Every Tuesday, I would take my second graders to the computer lab and show them how to utilize the software that is currently available. Currently, my intern and I are teaching my students how to use Max Show. It’s new software that was created for primary students. While at the lab, the students can create slides about the concepts that they are learning about that week. I also noticed that my students are more effective at editing their work while using the Max Show software. I believed that our students should be prepared to become computer savvy in today’s society. One of my favorite software is the Smart Board. I find myself staying extra late at school to find new educational interactive activities to implement in my lessons. With the Smart Board, my students can have hands on experience and they are more involved in the lesson.
My least favorite software is Excel and I’m almost had a panic attack when I saw that we had to create a sample gradebook. The only time that I use Excel is when something is already saved and I want to create a new assignment with that template. The first thought that came to mind was that I’m not going to get a good grade on this assignment because I have no idea how to utilize Excel. After a few days, I decided to consult one of my co-workers who’s an expert at Excel. With her help, she showed me how to create a gradebook. At first I was overwhelm by everything and how I was going to get through the assignment. Well she and I made a copy of the sample that the professor gave us and walk me through each step. Before long I was getting a handle of the basic steps of Excel. I am still not an expert at Excel, but at least I can create a gradebook. At our school we use SASI for attendance and to import our grades, so creating a gradebook on Excel is not required. After this assignment, I have decided to utilize the Excel software so I can become an expert. I feel that since I’m getting my masters in technology, I should make sure that I’m well diverse in all of the productivity software that is available. I hope one day I can say I am a pro at the Excel software. J
Well, I must say I am quite jealous of your technology and that you have an intern. It makes it so much easier to work on core material when you have someone to share the load. Also it seems like your school has been nicely blessed with a good variety of technologies. I think the best technology that I have is my notebook, that’s because it’s wireless. We’re supposed to get the Mimio devices, but that seems to be more work, on top of what.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Excel is pretty tough, especially the formula portion, it’s not nearly as bad as when Progressbook came out. This is the digital grade book we use in Orange County. But when it came out it was more than a nightmare. Still with some problems, the first was the constant crashes that plagued the system. It wasn’t until the move to a 2 server system was made that there was any real progress being made. The hardest time was when all of the instructional staff was trying to do grades at the same time. It was bumper to bumper traffic time. As for my own experience, I used more of the trial and error method. But felt that you really needed to be well trained in order to be comfortable with Excel. I felt that for a grade book there were too many options and it was a great multiple use base.
As for getting your Masters good luck, I too would like to proceed towards a Masters in Technology/computer science. I’d love to talk more about how you plan to pursue your masters as a teacher.