Professional Development: Embracing the use of Technology Paul D. Acquaro

Outline Introduction Using Technology to Enhance Lessons Using the Internet to extract research information Explanation of Kidspiration® Using Microsoft PowerPoint Software Using Storybook Weaver Deluxe Sample Math and Science Templates Lesson plan comparison “Tradition” verse “Kidspiration ®”, PowerPoint and Storybook Weaver Deluxe Conclusion

Getting Started “Technological advances are resulting in the development of hardware and software that can help you differentiate mathematics, science and social studies instruction” (Salend, 2005). “When planning learning activities that include the use of computing, it may be helpful to focus on developing students’ cognitive abilities with logic and spatial relations.” (Orlich, 2004)

Introduction Finding ways to supplement our current curriculum with technology resources not only enhances the learning environment but is also a way to help students that suffer from common learning disabilities. Going beyond basic technologies, software packages such as Kidspiration, Microsoft PowerPoint and Storybook Weaver Deluxe enhance any lesson. The ATTO website powered by the University of Buffalo suggests that "computers can enhance students' writing and thinking abilities by offering alternative strategies to production and learning” (ATTO, 2006).

Using Technology The advent of computer technologies has brought to light new opportunities for teachers to have students share their thoughts. A product that the ATTO website suggests for students is actually a two part computer program. The first program for students in K-3rd Grade is known as Kidspiration ® The other program for students in 4th through 9th grade is known as Inspiration ®

Technology for All, Help for Some! An important skill set for students is development of thought processes. This process leads to a students being able to logically, visually, verbally and physically map out their ideas. This skill is often very difficult for students with disabilities who have trouble processing information. If a student has poor technical and creative writing abilities more often then not it stems from poor thought organization. The link between the two deficiencies more than likely comes from an inability to string thoughts together that flow in a coherent manner.

Researching Information Using the Internet Students can access the Internet prior to their lessons Retrieve vital information through teacher approved websites. Extract pertinent information and create charts and data using Kidspiration, Microsoft PowerPoint or Storybook Weaver Deluxe

Sample Lesson Plan The purpose of the lesson is to get the students to use Kidspiration, PowerPoint or Storybook Weaver software to map out and share with the class (during a normal science lesson period), the types and characteristics of cloud formations.

Sample Lesson Plan The goal will be to develop and explain via writing, picture or a combination of what the three forms of clouds are, identify the characteristics, and explain what type of weather they predict.

Kidspiration® Software The software can benefit all types of learners by improving cognitive and psychomotor skills. The types of math students that can benefit from Kidspiration® Software is one that has had difficulty visualizing general math concepts such as equivalent fractions The types of science students are ones that have difficulties categorizing, theorizing or technically writing.

Kidspiration® Software “Kidspiration helps young students see, organize and develop their great ideas” (ATTO, 2006). Text to speech Male or Female voices Grouping Event Cause Participants Pictures

Kidspiration® Software Linking and thought development Can be used as a Writing concept map or a picture concept map as well as a combination of both. Has templates to assist with all subjects: Math Science Reading and Writing Social Studies

Kidspiration® Examples For use with Science

Kidspiration® Examples For use with Math

Microsoft PowerPoint Students given specific parameters can input the same information into two slides and present information to the class PowerPoint is easy to use Input of information by text and or charts Input pictures from the Internet or use Clipart Can apply movement to slides and or sound

Clouds Cumulus Clouds What type of weather do they predict? Stratus Clouds Cirrus Clouds What do they look like? What type of weather do they predict? What type of weather do they predict?

Storybook Weaver Deluxe Storybook Weaver Deluxe is a software package that enables students aged 6-12 to create stories using pictures, text, borders and sounds (optional). The system begins with a Title page that allows the user to input the Title of their story, their name and a colorful border (that is selected from hundreds of borders). The user then proceeds to page 1 to begin their story. Users can choose backgrounds and pictures as they input their text. They continue on to page 2, 3 etc. When the story is finished or saved, it can be printed out or presented at their workstation. The user can add music or record their voice for narration. The software is available in English or in Spanish.

Storybook Weaver Deluxe

Conclusion The benefits of Kidspiration®, Inspiration®, Microsoft PowerPoint and Storybook Weaver Deluxe software are endless. Students can draw out their thoughts and then move them into an order that works best for the shared flow of knowledge. Kidspiration software can help young students develop their scientific thoughts, predictions and theories.

Conclusion Kidspiration®, Microsoft PowerPoint and Storybook Weaver provides students with templates and ideas for not only math and science assignments but for all subjects they will study during the first five to six years in school. “Graphic organizers help students see the big picture and the relationships between main points and supporting details, make comparisons, clarify relationships, develop inferences and draw conclusions” (Gajria, Mullane, Sharp &Helm, 2003).

Reference AT Basics (2006). ndLearning.php Retrieved January 4, Gajria, M., Mullane, T., Sharp, E.R., & Helm, T. (2003) Concept Mapping: Improving content area comprehension for secondary students with learning disabilities. Presentation at the April 2003 meeting of the Council for Exceptional Children, Seattle.

Reference Orlich, D., Harder, R., Callahan, R., Trevisan, M., & Brown, A. (2004). Teaching Strategies: A Guide to Effective Instruction. Houghton Mifflin Company: Boston. Salend, S.J. (2005). Creating Inclusive Classrooms. (5 th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill, Prentice Hall. *Templates copied from Kidspiration down loaded material software package.