Re: computerdisc-l: Presentation Software

["Patti S. Abraham" <psa1@ra.msstate.edu>]

I think it is the teacher's preference.  Some people prefer one and some
the other.  They are both good.  The key is if you enjoy it and are
excited about it, the students will pick up on that.  

Dr. Patti S. Abraham psa1@ra.msstate.ed
Professor, Department of Technology and Education
Mississippi State University
Voice: 601-325-2280	FAX: 601-325-7599	Internet: psa1@ra.msstate.edu

On Thu, 4 Feb 1999, Cynthia Kahler wrote:

> 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
>