Computer Tools

James Lehman, EDCI 564

Brainstorming Activity

Make a list of the things that teachers do.

Categorize

Divide your list into those things where technology can be of help and those things where it is probably not of help.

Match with Applications

Now, for those tasks where technology can help, identify appropriate applications.

Preparing InstructionalMaterials

Word Processor

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Computer Tools

What are examples of tools that enhance teacher productivity?

Computer Tools

How might students use productivity tools in doing their own work?

Our Example

Our in-class project involves the use of two tools that can be used to graphically represent information: Inspiration, a concept mapping tool, and Excel, a spreadsheet with built-in

charting/graphing functions.

Task 1

Use Inspiration to create a concept map showing applications of productivity software for teaching and learning.

Task 2

Determine the color distribution of your bags of M&Ms. Enter the data into Excel along with the class averages.

Make a chart that shows your data in comparison to the class averages. Format the chart attractively.

Task 3

Measure the circumference and diameter of 5-7 circular objects of different sizes that are available in the room. Enter the data into Excel.

Create a graph that displays the relationship between circumference and diameter. Format the graph well. Think about what the graph tells you about the relationship.

Final Task

Paste the outputs of the previous activities* into a Word document. Add the names of your group members and provide appropriate labels or comments.

Turn in the printed document, and submit the Inspiration document, Excel sheets, and final Word document as attachments via the assignment submission page in WebCT.

* Hint: you’ll need to export the Inspiration document