What types of writing activities would you make the best use of technology in your classroom?
I think that one of the most useful writing activies would be to use concept maps. Simply writing an outline is a powerful writing tool, but from what I have seen and read this semester, there are programs that can help students find more ideas and become more creative with their writing. The option to go from outlines to concept maps are incredible. I also think that collaborative writing with technology and peer feedback can be incredibly beneficial.
We are creating PowerPoint this week, how would you Not let PowerPoint presentation distract your audience? Do you think you can follow the potential pitfalls from the textbook?
I would try to not distract the audience with too many slides because keeping it short and to the point would help the students stay on task. Too many font styles and slide transitions are also dangers that I will try and avoid. I would like to stick to one font, and pick slide transitions that are more suttle and less distracting. I also plan to stick to one template, changing templates may confuse or distract my audience. I believe that I can avoid these pitfalls by sticking to what I have read and applying this information to keep the audience on track.
Conclusion:
I just recently started writing a rather large paper, and when I made just a basic outline for the paper, it helped a tremendous amount. The tools that are used for concept mapping would have been very helfpul at all grade levels. Collaborative writing is something that I have just become familiar with in college, and I would have to say that it would have helped if these tools had been in my foundations as a student in grade school. Peer feedback through technology is just another example of what could have been more useful if I had had the opportunity to use it as a child.
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning with
Technology (3rd ed.). Columbus, OH: Pearson.
