Assignment 2 Chapters 5 & 6

CHAPTER 5 TEACHING WITH SOFTWARE
TOOLS BEYOND THE BASIC APPLICATION

Teachers should consider the many benefits of their software tools; don't just use them because they are available.

Software applications for iPhone are being considered by schools as learning tools.

Desktop publishing offers opportunities to increase self-esteem and heighten interest in writing.
The rules for effective desktop publishing are on page 144.

TEST GENERATOR SOFTWARE

There are several advantages over word processing programs.

1. Teachers can make changes and disregard format.
2. Teachers can make randomn selections from an item pool to create different
test versions. Test can be administered on line. Some sites to consider:
http://www.testshop.com/ (Test Generator)
http://www.centronsoftware.com/ (Test Creator)
3.Questions may be selected based on criteria and objectives.
4.Rubric generators are also very popular. Some versions are as follows:
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/ (Rubistar)
http://landmark-project.com/ (Rubric Builder)

WORKSHEET AND PUZZLE GENERATORS

Worksheet generators help teachers produce exercises for practice rather than test items.
Worksheet Generator: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/teachingtools/worksheet%20generator/

Puzzle generators format and create puzzles and crosswords.
Centron Crossword Puzzle Maker http://www.centronsoftware.com/
Teach-nology Crossword Puzzle Makerhttp://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/crossword

IEP genrators are also available to remind teachers of the necessary components.

GRAPHIC DOCUMENT MAKERS

These software tools are great for making award certificates and greeting card templates; either of which could be used to recognize student achievement.

Printshop 23 Deluxe http://www.broderbund.com/
Teach-nology Certificate Maker http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/certificates

Form makers are also available in PDF Maker Pilot so that the created documents can be filled in on line and used to collect information. This also makes designing forms less time consuming.

Statistical packages may be used to assist teachers with analyzing collected data. Charting tools are also available to help with graphing data.

Graphic Tools

These types of tools provide illustrations that may motivate writing for visual learners.

Clip art includes drawings, cartoons, animations, and photos. Consider the following programs:
Draw/paint programs : Adobe Illustrator http://www.adobe.com/
Kid Pix http://www.learningcompany.com/
Image editing: Adobe Photoshop (This is found on the seme link above; it enhances and formats
photos for web page products.)
GIMP http://www.gimp.org/
Clip art: Microsoft's Clip Art and Media Collection http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx This is only one of several options available that allow for sound, animation, video, and font collections.

MULTIMEDIA WEBSITES/PRESENTATIONS
Free sites for sound effects and videoclips are available but a teacher may need special software plugins like Quicktime or Adobe Flash.

OUTLINING TOOLS

This a super cross-curriculum tool that prompts writers as they outline. Some samples to visit:
Inspiration http://www.inspiration.com/
Story Weaver http://www.storymind.com/
VisiMap http://www.coco.co.uk/
These websites also assist with formating concept maps for the visual learner.

RESEARCH AND REFERENCE TOOLS

Electronic Dictionaries and Thesauruses are also available:
Merriam-Webster http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary.htm
Thesaurus.com http://thesaurus.reference.com/

READING TOOLS

These are available to assist teachers with considering the reading level of a written work. Some of the CLOZE software provides passages with missing words in a given patter. These are good measures of reading comprehension. Sites are available to support reading instruction.

Readability Calculation Software http://www.readabilityformulas.com/

CHAPTER 6 TEACHING WITH MULTIMEDIA AND HYPERMEDIA

Multimedia: "multiple media"
Hyper media: "linked media" (Internet)
Multimedia will continue to have an increased emphasis in education for several reasons. They are: more flexible learning modes, increased motivation, development of creative and critical thinking skills, and improved writing/process skills.

Ten characteristics to consider when using multimedia and hypermedia:
1. & 2. Instructional and Screen Design
3. Interaction and feedback on the same page
4. Navigation :clear procedures
5. Learning Control:consider age vs. sequencing of instructional tasks
6. Color: consistant color scheme use for cueing.
7. Graphics: mix with text
8. Animation: use sparingly
9. Audio: use for short presentation/chunk on several screens
10. Video: use for broader abstract material with emotional impact.

Interactive Storybook

Free downloadable ebooks are available at teh following link:
http://www.free-ebooks.net/

Listing of on-line books
http://digital.library.upen.edu/books/

New York Times has special education programs for students.

In evaluating commercial hypermedia, consider instructional and pedagogical aspects. This would include instructional design, content, interface design and navigation, and feedback and interactivity.

Great list of "Tips for Effective PowerPoint and Keynote Presentations" that could be used a student hand-out.

Videos can be imported via USB anad converted into digital format.
Quick Time Movies: stored videoclips
iMovie-Apple video editor

GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES

Google Earth and Arc View
QVTR-panoramic view/stitches photos

WEB 2.0

This technology is redefining digital literacy that students use daily into the English curriculum.
This format offers opportunities for less formal writing, allows students to comment on others, and basically give/receive feedback.

Blog: individual journal/ self-reflective
Wiki: community space/collaboration of ideas
Podcasts: MP3 file/radio broadcasting setting
Eportfolio: organize work website