My son-in-law left for Iraq on Valentine’s Day. When I read this chapter, I couldn’t help but think of him as I read about simulations. As a navigator in the Air Force (who also has a pilot’s license), he surely experienced many flying simulations in the course of his education. Without these, he would not have been able to learn his skills in as safe and realistic of an environment.
Simulations are computerized models of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works. Simulations can teach about something such as how electrical circuits operate, or they can teach how to do something, as in the case of navigating an airplane. When using this type of software, learners interact with the simulation, and it reacts to them.
Simulations are often used in science and social studies. In Science students can experience the conditions and appearance of a chemistry lab or can dissect a virtual animal. In social studies, students can interact with decision-making processes for another civilization and then watch to see the results of their decisions.
A beauty of simulations is that they can make the impossible possible. When a teacher cannot provide the real situation, they can turn to simulation software to enable students to learn in a next-best way. Simulations also give the benefit of providing certain learning at a fraction of the cost and capturing students’ attention by getting them involved in their lessons.
Simulations are an amazing facet of educational technology!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Desktop Publishing Software--My Friend
When I need to make a quick invitation for a reward party in the library or when I want to inform parents of what is going on in our K-Kids organization, I turn to MicrosoftPublisher. Since it is readily available on my school or home computer, I always have quick access to this valuable publishing resource.
Desktop publishing software is a useful tool that enables students and educators to create professional-looking printed or electronic pages. It allows users to mix text and graphics on each page and can be mastered easily with a little practice.
With it teachers can make flyers, reports newsletters, brochures, and student handouts. It is also useful to students who can use it to create cards and letters to give to parents, produce attractive hard-copy additions to group projects, write up a field trip report, and make banners and homework calendars.
Instructional benefits include increase in motivation and task engagement. When students publish their own work, their self-esteem is enhanced as well as their writing skills. It also lends itself well to small group collaboration projects.
One popular example of a desktop publishing project used in social studies is to have students create travel brochures describing a region. This type project that results in their work being published is popular with students.
Examples of desktop publishing software packages include the already mentioned Microsoft Publisher, as well as Adobe Pagemaker and InDesign, and Quark Xpress.
Desktop publishing software is a useful tool that enables students and educators to create professional-looking printed or electronic pages. It allows users to mix text and graphics on each page and can be mastered easily with a little practice.
With it teachers can make flyers, reports newsletters, brochures, and student handouts. It is also useful to students who can use it to create cards and letters to give to parents, produce attractive hard-copy additions to group projects, write up a field trip report, and make banners and homework calendars.
Instructional benefits include increase in motivation and task engagement. When students publish their own work, their self-esteem is enhanced as well as their writing skills. It also lends itself well to small group collaboration projects.
One popular example of a desktop publishing project used in social studies is to have students create travel brochures describing a region. This type project that results in their work being published is popular with students.
Examples of desktop publishing software packages include the already mentioned Microsoft Publisher, as well as Adobe Pagemaker and InDesign, and Quark Xpress.
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