Post #7

An advantage with using presentation software in K-12 classrooms is that it allows for a clear an organzied way to relay information to students. Presenting class notes on PowerPoint lets students copy down the information easily. A disadvantage with using presentation software in K-12 classrooms is that it can become very tedious for the students. It takes away from any hands- on learning opportunities and can be considered very boring, even for the speaker/teacher. Some students may have problems actually absorbing the information on the slideshow if they are only focused on wrting down the information, and miss out on any discussion going on at the same time.

If I were using PowerPoint in my classroom, I would only put basic, short notes on the slides and try to rely mainly on my own notes when speaking to the class. I feel like students may pay more attention if they are actually listening to someone speaking and figuring out what is important rather than simply copying down information without comprehension. I think this would also allow for more discussion between myself and the students. I would also use PowerPoint when presenting specific details, graphs, dates, timelines, pictures, etc. However, when presenting more in depth material, such as politics or philosophy, I would only rely on the slideshow for more basic facts.

I recently read an article about the issue of how technology in the classroom may cause inequitable education (http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te400.htm). The article addresses how funding can result in cerain schools recieving newer and better technology based on property taxes. If a school district is in a lower socio-economic area, they most likely will not recieve the same amount of money for computers, microscopes, or interactive whiteboards if the school is struggling just to retain teachers, compared to a school that is in a neighborhood with higher property taxes. This just makes me wonder how this issue can be resolved. It wouldn't be fair to take away from schools that can afford new technology, but how can we help struggling school districts give the best education possible with technology?