Download Using Tools

Using Tools
Mark Grabe
Tool Definition

An object that allows the user to
perform tasks with greater
efficiency or quality.
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3-2
Benefits of Technology
Tools for Learners



Learn to use the tool
Apply tool to improve efficiency of
academic tasks
Learn content skill/knowledge
through application of tool to
meaningful task
 Technology
as mindtool
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3-3
Word Processing

Most common educational
technology tool
 Prepare
for use in work
environment
 Writing is fundamental academic
skill
 Tasks that takes advantage of tool
capabilities my improve learning
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3-4
Basic Word Processing
Functions





Input
Storage and Retrieval
Formatting
Editing
Printing
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3-5
Special Word
Processing Tools



Outliner
Spell Checker
Thesaurus
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3-6
Writing and Word
Processing

“Opportunities Get Taken”
Hypothesis (Perkins)
 Opportunity
to revise easily may
encourage greater risk taking
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3-7
Early Research on
Writing





More revisions
Longer documents
Fewer spelling, basic syntax errors
Limited change in content quality
or document structure
Writers apply old habits with new
tool
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3-8
Writing Process
Approach


Take advantage of storage and
editing capabilities
Stages
 Planning
 Drafting
 Revision
 Publishing
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3-9
Writing Process
Approach



Authentic writing involves revision
and critique
Authentic writing is done for an
audience
Technology facilitates revision and
publishing
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3-10
Keyboarding


The speed and accuracy with
which a computer user can enter
information using the keyboard.
Some argue must be taught
directly
 Influences
ability to compose at
keyboard
 Avoids development of bad habits
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3-11
Keyboarding
Controversy

Teaching keyboarding is
controversial when
 Takes
up limited time or computers
available
 When assumed to be a
prerequisite to some uses of
computer
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3-12
Spreadsheets

Tool mainly for storing and
manipulating numerical data
 Organize
numerical information
 Perform calculations
 Display results in informative ways
 Ask hypothetical questions of data
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3-13
Spreadsheet



Consists of a grid designating cells by
a combination of letters and numbers
(e.g., A1, B2)
Cell can be assigned a data item or a
formula
A formula defines how the entry in a
cell will be related to the data in other
cells.
A
B
1
2
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3-14
Database


Program used to organize, store,
and search for information.
Hierarchical structure
 File
 Record
 Field
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3-15
Classroom Use of
Databases


Experience searching existing
databases (e.g., online or library
resources)
Create database as way to explore
specific topic
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3-16
Data Collection
Devices


Measure characteristic of the
physical environment and store
data for analysis
Components
 Sensor
 Interface
 Computer,
calculator or PDA
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3-17
Data Collection Probes

Each probe specific to one type of
data
 pH
 Temperature
 Voltage
 Acceleration
(motion)
 Etc.
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3-18
Probes as Learning
Tools



Allow cost-effective data collection
Provide the basis for authentic
learning tasks
Component of project based
learning activity
 Generate
methodology
 Collect data
 Communicate results
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3-19