I guess I always knew that TEKS existed for technology. I just never actually saw them...or at least took the time to look at them. I am amazed at how many there are to choose from. Our campus doesn't tell a subject or grade level what needs to be taught. It is basically left up to the teacher to choose whether or not they incorporate some form of technology in their curriculum.
I have seen some spiraling of technology applications in our middle school. It is through the use of Excel and Power Point. Students started learning how to use these programs in 6th...and maybe even in elementary school. As they begin using them in 7th grade, they begin to "try-out" new things within the programs. For example, they begin to try using a variety of backgrounds, fonts and templates within one presentation. The presentation ends up not being very easy on the eyes. Then, when they get into 8th grade, they begin to learn the tricks and tips of the presentation to make it viewer friendly. The backgrounds and fonts are no longer a distraction. It is through this practice year after year that allows the students to continue to learn news ways of using technology.
Love your comment about the progression your middle schoolers make in their presentation designs. I recently taught my 3rd through 5th graders how to create presentations. Out of 300 students, only ONE student caught on to the concept of the elements of design needed to have an effective presentation. All 299 others used color combinations that were, as you said, hard on the eyes. Their font styles were Greek . . . literally . . . they would choose font styles that were not even English. I never thought I would have to tell them that their presentation must be readable - meaning the words had to be written using the English alphabet, not Windgings. HA! I guess it truly is a learning process.
ReplyDeleteI also think it is the "amazement" and "excitement" that can be brought on with the use of new technology. Windgings are totally cool! They are exciting! If we just let the students play and be creative at making something using these to find their purpose...or lack of purpose. Then, follow that up with how a presentation should look, we will get some amazing products.
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