Re: computerdisc-l: Presentation Software

["Steve Rusk" <dgrizz1@datasync.com>]

I have used Power Point for the past several year.  It keeps getting better
and better.  One of the things I use it for is Keyboard dictation.  I can
do a lesson with my voice and do it over and over for my kids all day. 
They like it.  To my students the  technology is state of the art.  I put
all my lessons on CD and this does not take as much space.  There is so
much you can do with this program.. We also introduce programs, vocabulary
etc. I don't know what I would do without Powerpoint.  Recently  I taught
one on my co-workers how to use it.  I've created a monster. She likes to
even hear the stupid noises.

----------
> From: Patti S. Abraham <psa1@ra.msstate.edu>
> To: Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>
> Cc: Computer Discovery <computerdisc-l@Lists.MsState.Edu>
> Subject: Re: computerdisc-l: Presentation Software
> Date: Thursday, February 04, 1999 5:30 PM
> 
> 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
> >