When we look at technology practices, we are really looking at different ways that technology can be integrated into the classroom. We look to see in what ways technology can be applied make a subject area more effective, efficient, and enhancing. If done correctly, this really can work, but technology practices must be put into effect under the correct circumstances. You must look at how much it is adding to effectiveness, efficiency, and enhancement before applying it. Otherwise, it could actually hinder the learning of the students. Below I will list some different tools that could be used in my subject area, math, to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and enhancement. Then below that, I will list one way each of those tools can be put to use in the subject.
Tools:
1. Microsoft Excel
2. Inspiration
3. Prezi
4. Microsoft Access
5. Microsoft PowerPoint
Use for each:
1. You could use Microsoft Excel to create a worksheet of a real-life situation of a particular set of data. You could have the students take the data that is given to them and analyze it. As well, you could have them create graphs based off that data and see how it is represented. Lastly, you could have them manipulate the data in different ways to see how some companies can mislead their customers by manipulating the data given to them. This can increase enhance their learning because it makes them apply their knowledge and engages them in what they learn. It also allows them to have a hands-on experience with the material and shows them that it is useful knowledge.
2. You could use Inspiration to create a lesson plan. It allows you to use formulas. You can use simple explanations and examples on it to help teach the students the topic. It gives you a more interesting way to present the information so it can enhance their learning because they will be more engaged. It could also prove to be more effective in how they learn the material.
3. You could use Prezi to create a lesson presentation. You could be teaching them the lesson through this tool. It is a more creative and fun way to teach because the whole lesson is on the screen except it will jump and zoom into the area you are discussing and showing. You could engage the students by allowing them to enjoy the way they are being taught.
4. Microsoft Access could be used by splitting the class into groups. Each group will create their own real-world situation giving data in a certain circumstance. They are giving this data so that other students can analyze and graph it. When each group is done, they will switch with another group. They will analyze and graph the data given to them, as well as learn to manipulate the data in different ways to make it seem different to the public. Many companies do this, so this would heighten their understanding on what to pay attention to when reading graphs to make sure they are not misled. This enhances their knowledge because they are seeing that the topic is important and useful, as well as applying the knowledge they already learned. It is also effective because it helps them retain their knowledge by giving more examples and practice.
5. Microsoft PowerPoint could be used by having students create their own slideshow of the material after it is taught to them. This could act as a check to their knowledge to make sure it is being understood. Each student would go in and create a PowerPoint that teaches the topic and provides examples and solutions to show their knowledge. They can do this by posting different equations on the slide and showing how they got the solution. This can enhance their learning by making them apply their knowledge. It is also effective because it provides a way to test how well they are retaining the information.
