Using Tools Mark Grabe

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-2 Tool Definition n An object that allows the user to perform tasks with greater efficiency or quality.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-3 Benefits of Technology Tools for Learners n Learn to use the tool n Apply tool to improve efficiency of academic tasks n Learn content skill/knowledge through application of tool to meaningful task u Technology as mindtool

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-4 Word Processing n Most common educational technology tool u Prepare for use in work environment u Writing is fundamental academic skill u Tasks that takes advantage of tool capabilities my improve learning

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-5 Basic Word Processing Functions n Input n Storage and Retrieval n Formatting n Editing n Printing

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-6 Special Word Processing Tools n Outliner n Spell Checker n Thesaurus

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-7 Writing and Word Processing n “Opportunities Get Taken” Hypothesis (Perkins) u Opportunity to revise easily may encourage greater risk taking

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-8 Early Research on Writing n More revisions n Longer documents n Fewer spelling, basic syntax errors n Limited change in content quality or document structure n Writers apply old habits with new tool

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-9 Writing Process Approach n Take advantage of storage and editing capabilities n Stages u Planning u Drafting u Revision u Publishing

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-10 Writing Process Approach n Authentic writing involves revision and critique n Authentic writing is done for an audience n Technology facilitates revision and publishing

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-11 Keyboarding n The speed and accuracy with which a computer user can enter information using the keyboard. n Some argue must be taught directly u Influences ability to compose at keyboard u Avoids development of bad habits

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-12 Keyboarding Controversy n Teaching keyboarding is controversial when u Takes up limited time or computers available u When assumed to be a prerequisite to some uses of computer

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-13 Spreadsheets n Tool mainly for storing and manipulating numerical data u Organize numerical information u Perform calculations u Display results in informative ways u Ask hypothetical questions of data

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-14 Spreadsheet n Consists of a grid designating cells by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., A1, B2) n Cell can be assigned a data item or a formula n A formula defines how the entry in a cell will be related to the data in other cells.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-15 Database n Program used to organize, store, and search for information. n Hierarchical structure u File u Record u Field

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-16 Classroom Use of Databases n Experience searching existing databases (e.g., online or library resources) n Create database as way to explore specific topic

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-17 Data Collection Devices n Measure characteristic of the physical environment and store data for analysis n Components u Sensor u Interface u Computer, calculator or PDA

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-18 Data Collection Probes n Each probe specific to one type of data u pH u Temperature u Voltage u Acceleration (motion) u Etc.

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.3-19 Probes as Learning Tools n Allow cost-effective data collection n Provide the basis for authentic learning tasks n Component of project based learning activity u Generate methodology u Collect data u Communicate results