Ch. 5 Teaching with Software Tools: Beyond the Basic Programs

     This chapter describes six general categories of software support tools, which include the following: materials generators, data collection and analysis tools, graphic tools, planning and organization tools, research and reference tools, and content-area tools. These tools range in importance from nearly essential to nice to have, and in function from presenting instruction to supporting background task that make a classroom run smoothly.

     These tools have been in existence for many years and are constantly being updated with new features and capabilities. Most of the following recent developments have made these tools even more useful in the classroom. Things such as netbooks, PDA’s, and cell phones are constantly developing and enhancing our education systems. Technology is growing worldwide and I think it is vital our students in the United States keep up with the technological advancements taking place on a daily basis. Many of these desktop publishing systems have helped our student in the following ways: practice in grammar, spelling, and communication, methods of reporting research findings, and opportunities for creative works.  One thing I enjoyed reading about in this chapter was student response systems. These systems are a combination of handheld hardware and software that permits each student in a classroom to answer a question simultaneously and permits the teacher to see and display a summary of results immediately.

     Overall, this chapter reflects on many of the advancements made in technology over the years. Every year new technologies are entering the classroom and it is vital teachers and students can effectively use these systems. Technology can be expensive but it is important for our schools to find the necessary funding to implement certain systems.