Microsoft Excel

In TPTE 486 we learned how to create an assessment using Microsoft Excel.I really learned a lot about this program that I did not know before, and I can see how it would be very useful as a teaching tool in the classroom. You can create an interactice assignment that students can use outside of school, that tells them if an answer is right or wrong without requiring the presence of a teacher. It can be used for a huge variety of subject areas, and this makes it even more appealing. I think a working knowledge of Excel is something every teacher should have in their repertoire because it is such a versatile program.

Diagrams through Inspiration

I used the Inspiration program to create a web for the first time this week. It was extremetly useful for creating a clear diagram that connected many different ideas. It allowed me to present a whole picture of the topic, which is great for kids who are visual learners. Instead of learning only through reading or lecture, students can have a mental picture of whatever topic I am trying to teach them. I think this could be particularly useful in the field of Deaf education, because it relies less on written English, and more on creating a complete thought through pictures with some words added in. Feel free to take a look at my diagram on the digestive system!