Professional Development: Professional Development: Embracing the use of Embracing the use of TechnologyTechnology

Paul D. AcquaroPaul D. Acquaro

OutlineOutline

IntroductionUsing Technology to Enhance LessonsUsing the Internet to extract research informationExplanation of Kidspiration®Using Microsoft PowerPoint Software Using Storybook Weaver DeluxeSample Math and Science Templates Lesson plan comparison “Tradition” verse “Kidspiration ®”, PowerPoint and Storybook Weaver DeluxeConclusion

Getting StartedGetting 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)

IntroductionIntroductionFinding 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 TechnologyUsing TechnologyThe 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!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 Researching Information Using the InternetInternet

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 PlanSample 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 PlanSample 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® SoftwareKidspiration® 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® SoftwareKidspiration® 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® SoftwareKidspiration® 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 Kidspiration® Examples For use with Sciencewith Science

What do they look

like?

What do they look

like?

What type of weather do they predict?

What type of weather do they predict?

What type of weather do they predict?

cirrus clouds cumulus clouds

What do they look

like?

stratus clouds

2 Go to Writing View to add details.

1 Use pictures and words to tell about clouds.

Clouds

Kidspiration® Examples For use Kidspiration® Examples For use with Mathwith Math

one thirdone half one fourth

Move the fractions to the correct category.

Microsoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPoint

Students given specific parameters can input the same information into two slides and present information to the classPowerPoint is easy to useInput of information by text and or chartsInput pictures from the Internet or use ClipartCan 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 do they look like? What do they

look like?

What type of weather do they predict? What type of

weather do they predict?

Storybook Weaver DeluxeStorybook 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 DeluxeStorybook Weaver Deluxe

ConclusionConclusion

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.

ConclusionConclusionKidspiration®, 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 Reference AT Basics (2006). http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/Resources/ComputersandLearning.php Retrieved January 4, 2007.

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 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. (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill, Prentice Hall.

*Templates copied from Kidspiration down loaded material software package.