As technology continues to evolve, having "basic suite" (word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation) skills are essential. These foundation skills allow students to utilize technology not only in the classroom, but in their lives. Software tools offer several benefits such as improved productivity, appearance, and accuracy, and more support for interaction and collaboration (Roblyer, 2016, p. 109). These programs provide students and educators with the technology to create professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all in minimal time. Students are able to assist one another through collaboration in the creation of these files. At the high school that I work at, we are so lucky to not only have computer and internet access, but also access to these basic suite programs through Microsoft. These are programs that I know I take for granted, as many schools do not have the technology or software available. I use these programs daily to complete assignments for EdTech classes, balance and keep track of school activity budgets, and create assignments and presentations for teaching my curriculum. Needless to say, I would be lost without these basic suite programs. The time and energy that I have saved through the use of these programs is invaluable.
These programs assist students in fostering job-transferable skills such as basic word processing, functions and formulas, and presentation knowledge, which are all essential 21st-century skills. "Jobs that may not have had a digital component in the past, may have one now. Education isn’t just about memorizing facts and vocabulary words, it’s about solving complex problems and being able to collaborate with others in the workforce" (Cox, 2015). Even with the access to these programs, I see that many students do not have the basic knowledge of these programs or the keyboarding skills to keep up in a competitive workforce. Some districts require these computer courses for their students, some do not. I cannot express the importance of students having this technology knowledge. I find myself having to teach or re-teach basic computer skills in my classes before using these programs because many of the students do not have this knowledge or they didn't have to apply it further than simply learning the skill. In my own classroom, the Basic Suite is used frequently. Students use word processing skills to write article reviews on current events, develop business plans and advertising campaigns, and create promotional materials. Presentations are used by students to present what they have learned through collaboration with other classmates and teaching others through project-based learning. Spreadsheets are used for analyzing data and presenting graphs and charts. Without these basic programs, it would be difficult to incorporate technology into the classroom and prepare students for their future careers and the use of more advanced technology. "Effective tech integration must happen across the curriculum in ways that research shows deepen and enhance the learning process" (Edutopia, 2008). After teaching these basic skills, students need to be challenged and explore these programs through assignments. This results in students being challenged intellectually and forces them to explore through trial and error, collaboration, and discovery. Although we are living in a world of "tech savvy" millennials, there is a major difference between being able to navigate a smartphone or tablet as opposed to a computer program. It is our job as educators to express the importance of these skills and prepare them for post secondary education and beyond. References: Cox, J. (2015). Benefits of technology in the classroom. Teach Hub, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.teachhub.com/benefits-technology-classroom. Edutopia Team. (2008). Why integrate technology into the curriculum?: The reasons are many. Edutopia, March 2008. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction. Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (7th ed.). Massachusetts: Pearson.
2 Comments
Kelci Bleasdale
2/5/2017 05:46:03 pm
Hi Ally,
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Ally Gilin
2/6/2017 06:50:25 pm
Kelci,
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AuthorReflection blog for Master's in Educational Technology course EdTech 541 at Boise State University. Archives
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