computerdisc-l: Presentation Software

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

Questions?  Have you used presentation software in your classroom as a 
teacher?  Have your students used it?  Have you been successful and and 
more important, have they?

The reason I ask is I "think" I noted at our last CD meeting that Power 
Point was being considered for the new sites.  I have used Power Point in 
the past and really like it.   I do, however, consider myself fairly 
computer literate, having a pretty extensive educational background in 
computer science as well as working experience in the computer field.  I 
have taught this age group for a mere six years - I really don't feel that 
many will be able to succeed with this software.

I used EEF money and "begged" the district to supplement and got my lab 
fully licensed for Hyperstudio.  I gave my students an extra credit/extra 
time project to do an "All About Me" project where we scanned everything 
from baby pictures to newpaper articles.  Even my SLOWEST students were 
successful in a relatively short period of time - and they loved it, many 
coming before school or after school to work on things. It of course took 
extra time from me, but since the learning curve is so quick I could depend 
on other students to provide extra help while I scanned, took digital 
photos, etc.  Many of my students are very poor and had never touched a 
computer until they came in my classroom, so their ability to be of 
assistance in a relatively short time was impressive.  Many added benefits 
were derived - I think my students learned more about directory structure 
doing this project than I could ever teach as a lesson.    I feel that the 
carryover to a program like Power Point would be there when they had more 
experience,  became more comfortable with presentation software, and had 
additional needs.

I think presentation software has a very valid place in the curriculum as 
it is used so much in the outside world.  It also lends itself incredibly 
to academic integration.  There are so many benefits that students can get 
from its use.  However, I do think Power Point will be difficult for many 
students (and maybe even teachers) and my classes are testimony to me that 
even the slowest student can succeed.

Please teachers, post your thoughts. I hope that someone who reads this and 
deals with issues of curriculum/equipment/resources will respond.  Dr. 
Abraham, could you forward this to anyone who may be interested or can 
provide insight?  Thanks.

Cynthia Kahler
Oxford Middle School