Chapter 5

Teaching with Software Tools: Beyond the Basic Programs

Benefits of Using Software Tools

• Improves efficiency & productivity• Improves appearance• Better accuracy & timeliness • More support for interaction & sharing

Why use software support tools?

Teachers should choose them for the qualities/benefits they bring to the classroom, rather than simply because they are available

Types of Software Support Tools

1. Materials generators2. Data collection and analysis tools3. Graphics tools4. Planning and organizing tools5. Research and reference tools6. Content area tools

Materials Generators

• Desktop Publishing• Tests/quizzes• Worksheet/puzzles• IEP Generators• Certificate & Form

Makers

Data Collection & Analysis Tools

• Electronic Grade Books• Statistical Packages• Student Information Systems (SIS)• Computer-Based Testing System• Student Response Systems

– Turning Point (PPT)

Graphic Tools

• Draw/Paint & Image Programs

• Image Editing

• Charting & Graphing

• Digitizing & Video Development Systems

• Clip Art, Video, & Sound Collections

Planning & Organizing Tools

•Outlining and Concept Mapping

•Lesson Planning•Schedule/Calendar

Makers•Time Management

Research & Reference Tools

• Electronic Encyclopedias• Electronic Atlases and Mapping• Dictionaries and Thesauruses

– Word Atlases

Content Specific Tools• Computer Aided Design (CAD)• Music Editors & Synthesizers• Reading Tools• Microcomputer-based Labs

– Probeware

• Graphing Calculators – Calculator-based labs (CBL)

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Software Support Tools

• Focus on application (instructional) software

• Deliver instruction or assist with student instruction

• Traditionally CD-Rom/DVD• More recent increase in Web

applications• Next 2 chapters develop the Internet

more specifically

Chapter 6

Teaching with Multimedia and Hypermedia Tools

How Do They Differ?

Multimedia Hypermedia

Many Media• Stills, sound, video, animation,

text

Linked Media• Hypertext, browsers

Types of Hypermedia Systems

• Commercial Hypermedia Software • Authoring Tools (4)

1. Presentation Software2. Video Production and Editing3. Hypermedia Authoring4. Virtual Reality (VR)

Current & Future Impact

• Increases motivation• Flexible learning modes• Develops creative and critical thinking

skills• Improves writing and process skills

Research Two Areas: Impact and Design/Use

Impact• Ability to offer multiple

channels for processing information

• Increased creative solutions with problem solving

• Greater comprehension and retention

Concerns• Impact on higher level

skills• Learner style

Design/Use• Instructional design

elements• Screen design• Interaction and feedback• Navigation• Learner control• Color • Graphics • Animation • Audio• Video

Commercial Hypermedia

• Instructional Software– Tutorials– Drill and Practice– Simulation– Instructional Games– Problem Solving

• Interactive Books– Storybooks– ebooks

• Reference Materials– Encyclopedias – Almanacs – Atlases – Newspapers and newsletters– Proceedings and conference materials

Commercial Product Evaluation

• Instructional Planning• Support• Instructional Design• Content• Clear, Concise, & Unbiased Language• Interface Design & Navigation• Feedback & Interactivity

Multimedia Sequence of Development

• Review existing products• Research background on topic• Storyboard each frame/segment• Develop frames/segments• Link parts together• Test/revise with users

Authoring Skills

• Media Literacy• Using Music & Art• Design Principles

– Print – Video

• Creative & Novel Thinking

• Consider Audience

Evaluating Multimedia/Hypermedia Products

• See rubric on DVD titled “Multimedia Software Evaluation Checklist ”

• Or Figure 6.7 in textbook

Classroom Integration Strategies for Presentation Software

• Presentations• Practice screens• Assessment screens• Brief tutorials• Book reports• Student-created

presentations

Classroom Integration Strategies forVideo Production

• Demonstrations of procedures• Student-created presentations• Video lectures• Video portfolios• Video decision-making and problem-

solving simulations• Documenting school activities• Visual literacy instruction• Teaching video production

Classroom Integration Strategies for

Hypermedia Authoring

• Brief tutorials• Student-created

presentations• Interactive storybooks

Classroom Integration Strategies for Virtual Reality & Other Immersion

Tools

• Full immersive systems– Head-mounted display (HMD)

• Web-based VR • 3-D models• QuickTime VR (QTVR)

Classroom Integration Strategies for Virtual Reality and Other Immersion

Tools

• Imaging for virtual field trips• 3D models to illustrate how systems

work• Immersive learning environments for

exploration and practice