The Benefits of Using Multimedia in Class

References

Guernsey, L. (2013, April 15). The smart way to use ipads in the classroom: It's not about the games or educational apps. Retrieved from: http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/04/ipads_in_the_classroom_the_right_way_to_use_them_demonstrated_by_a_swiss.html

Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper River Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

The Relative Advantage for Using Spreadsheets and Databases in the Classroom

Roblyer and Doering (2013) cite relative advantages for spreadsheet use in the classroom because they support productivity and teaching strategies. Their list of supports include making possible visual teaching demonstrations, supporting student products, supporting mathematical problem solving, storing and allowing analysis of data, and projecting grades (pp. 125-126). All of these supports can be beneficial in a middle school science classroom, however, the opportunity to store and analyze data can be particularly useful in this discipline.

As technology affords students access to more content than ever before, the ability to independently analyze data is a skill that will be necessary in the world they will inherit. A middle school science classroom is an environment that lends itself well to the application of concepts students have learned in their math classes. They can be given the chance to connect that learning to real world use in science.

When students have developed data analysis skills they are empowered to probe questions on a deeper level. Boss (2014) recommends starting with curiosity, leveraging tools and techniques (such as publicly available data sets), and connecting data to student interests. By connecting students to problems that impact them and by giving them tools to better understand those problems teachers can provide students with a rich learning experience and skills they can leverage into the future.

References

Boss, S. (2014, May 20). How to help your students develop data literacy. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/helping-students-develop-digital-literacy-suzie-boss

Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper River Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

The Relative Advantage for Using Slide Presentations in the Classroom

Slide presentation software has a much-maligned reputation in some education circles. Roblyer and Doering (2013) cite research on the impact of presentation software on teaching style that indicates it may dominate a presentation, rather than supplement it. This can create a boring learning experience that may not reinforce higher-order thinking skills (p. 130).

Presenters reading the content of their presentations off of the slides is not the fault of the software, however. A simple Internet search can yield various advice that can help improve presentations. Here is a list of additional resources to consider when using presentation software in the classroom:

• 10 Tips for More Effective PowerPoint Presentations
• PowerPoint Tips, Techniques and Tutorials
• 7 Tips for Designing and Delivering PowerPoint Presentations
• 5 Rules for More Effective Presentations
• 11 Design Tips for Beautiful Presentations

A bit more attention towards use of presentation software as a means to augment content being delivered can help lectures become more impactful, rather than dreaded.

References

Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper River Saddle, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Relative Advantage of Instructional Software in the Middle School Science Classroom

Middle school science classes are loaded with complex topics that are new to students. Fortunately for teachers, an array of instructional software tools are becoming available to suit different pedagogical needs and learning styles. Armed with an understanding of when and how to use them, teachers can leverage these tools to promote higher-order thinking skills with greater engagement in a way that better meets the needs of all students. These advantages, relative to traditional instructional models, should warrant consideration by those tasked with delivering this content.

The breadth of options available to a teacher without an already full quiver of tools may be daunting, however. To help with that there are a number of good options for building a collection. The National Science Teachers Association has a searchable collection of recommended resources. This resource is useful as it provides a review tool strengths from educators who have actually used it. Additionally, you can sort searches by grade level as well as by formats, such as software, app and web.

Another great resource is the National Science Digital Library's collection of open educational resources. This collection is also searchable and can be sorted by education level, resource type, subject and standard. Reviews are not provided but there are an abundance of resources to peruse. For a narrowed and recommended list, look at the National Science Foundation's classroom resources which is primarily culled from NSDL's collection.