Transcript Using Tools
Using Tools Mark Grabe Tool Definition An object that allows the user to perform tasks with greater efficiency or quality. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-2 Benefits of Technology Tools for Learners Learn to use the tool Apply tool to improve efficiency of academic tasks Learn content skill/knowledge through application of tool to meaningful task Technology as mindtool Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-3 Word Processing Most common educational technology tool Prepare for use in work environment Writing is fundamental academic skill Tasks that takes advantage of tool capabilities my improve learning Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-4 Basic Word Processing Functions Input Storage and Retrieval Formatting Editing Printing Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-5 Special Word Processing Tools Outliner Spell Checker Thesaurus Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-6 Writing and Word Processing “Opportunities Get Taken” Hypothesis (Perkins) Opportunity to revise easily may encourage greater risk taking Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-7 Early Research on Writing More revisions Longer documents Fewer spelling, basic syntax errors Limited change in content quality or document structure Writers apply old habits with new tool Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-8 Writing Process Approach Take advantage of storage and editing capabilities Stages Planning Drafting Revision Publishing Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-9 Writing Process Approach Authentic writing involves revision and critique Authentic writing is done for an audience Technology facilitates revision and publishing Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-10 Keyboarding The speed and accuracy with which a computer user can enter information using the keyboard. Some argue must be taught directly Influences ability to compose at keyboard Avoids development of bad habits Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-11 Keyboarding Controversy Teaching keyboarding is controversial when Takes up limited time or computers available When assumed to be a prerequisite to some uses of computer Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-12 Spreadsheets Tool mainly for storing and manipulating numerical data Organize numerical information Perform calculations Display results in informative ways Ask hypothetical questions of data Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-13 Spreadsheet Consists of a grid designating cells by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., A1, B2) Cell can be assigned a data item or a formula A formula defines how the entry in a cell will be related to the data in other cells. A B 1 2 Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-14 Database Program used to organize, store, and search for information. Hierarchical structure File Record Field Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-15 Classroom Use of Databases Experience searching existing databases (e.g., online or library resources) Create database as way to explore specific topic Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-16 Data Collection Devices Measure characteristic of the physical environment and store data for analysis Components Sensor Interface Computer, calculator or PDA Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-17 Data Collection Probes Each probe specific to one type of data pH Temperature Voltage Acceleration (motion) Etc. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-18 Probes as Learning Tools Allow cost-effective data collection Provide the basis for authentic learning tasks Component of project based learning activity Generate methodology Collect data Communicate results Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 3-19