Computer Software

This week we are learning about software that can be used in the classroom! What are your thoughts? I have to be honest; I am not super-savvy when it comes to software. I feel like I stick to the basics – Microsoft: Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and now a little bit of Publisher. I have used the Notebook software, which comes along with the SmartBoard, to create interactive lessons. Other than that, I am at a standstill.

This week I have been introduced to some new wonderful programs that I hope to start trying out at school. Pixton and Prezi were my favorites. Pixton is an online software that allows to you create comic strips. You can add whatever sort of information and storyline into the comic strip to really fit the needs of your class. My students will love this! The other I am really interested in is called Prezi. This is also a web-based software that allows you to create 3-D presentations. It is much like PowerPoint but with more options, such as zooming capabilities.

I am on the technology committee at my school and have been pushing for new kinds of softwares for the kids to utilize in the computer lab, as well. I am really interested in Kidspiration, Inspiration, and KidPix. Are there any others out there that you would recommend?

What is your learning style when it comes to new software? For me, I am one of those silly digital natives…no manuals and tutorials! I like to start experimenting, playing around, and figuring things out. However, I will not lie, when I get really stuck the Help button is generally where I go. The biggest problem is time (and laziness – I suppose?). I am constantly putting of learning new programs in the sense that I always have something more important to do. Unless I am practically forced to learn about something, I just stick the “known.” I am embarrassed to admit this, especially since there are so many great things out there to learn!

My new plan is to get with some colleagues every month at our primary wing meetings and share some sort of tech-savvy technique. In doing this, I will not only be helping my colleagues, but also pushing myself to brush up on my own skills beforehand.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I’d love to hear!