Commercial Hypermedia Product

https://www.storyplace.org/

I chose an interactive storybook. Interactive storybooks are useful in the classroom because it keeps the students active and engaged. Interactive storybooks allow the students to keep their hands busy as well as be entertained by the material presented. Interactive storybooks can be found in various forms. There are websites as well as apps that provide free interactive storybooks. This particular site features several themes for students to choose from and is aimed at beginning readers. The students are also given an option between English and Spanish. This would be a great resource for an English learner learning how to understand a new language.

Chosen Multimedia Authoring Tool

http://www.readingrockets.org/article/virtual-field-trips

For my Multimedia Authoring Tool, I chose virtual environments. I think the most beneficial use of this resource would be the ability to go on virtual field trips. Students learn about many settings and events during elementary school, but it is not realistic to expect our students to imagine the correct setting through vague descriptions or expect them to be financially able to go and experience these places first hand. Virtual tours expose students to actual settings of events and educational settings they may not be exposed to otherwise. This will engage the students and help them to build connections to the material.

Module 1 Post

Word Processing Software:

Word processing software is a major resource in today's classrooms. This software allows students to share documents, improves the appearance of the documents, and gives students the opportunity to collaborate. Word processing software is not only a great way for students to create documents, but it also saves time in the classroom. Documents can easily be edited, which allows students to correct their mistakes without causing a major delay in their final documents. Teachers will be able to create and update materials for their lessons as needed. There are a few skills that must be developed before being able to use this software as a resource. Students must be able to use a keyboard and know how to navigate the software. Many believe that learning these skills will cause a lack of handwriting skills in our generation.

Spreadsheet Software:

Spreadsheets are becoming a common tool used in all fields. It is very important for students to know the software and how to create a spreadsheet in order to be able to understand and create these documents. Spreadsheets are primarily designed to organize numbers, however prove to be useful when storing many different types of information. Students and teachers will be able to organize data, create charts, and apply technology to mathematics.


Presentation Software:
  
Presentation software is great way to encourage students to collaborate ideas. By allowing students to present their findings on a particular subject or concept, they may present it in such a way that another student may develop a better understanding. When students put their thoughts and findings into this program, they will organize their information. Teachers will also be able to present information to the class in a more efficient way. Many teachers may dislike this program, because when their students create/see these presentations they may spend more time paying attention to or creating the flashy slide as opposed to the actual information presented.

Classroom Use:

I plan to incorporate word processing software on a regular basis. In my future classroom, I want to encourage my students to research their interest. I plan to create several research activities where my students will conduct their own research and record their findings in a word processing document. These activities will allow students to develop their typing skills and learn about reliable web resources.