More Technology in Education?

The number of computer savvy students is increasing as the age students begin using technology decreases, so it is only natural that PowerPoint has spread to elementary schools. Across the country, children in fourth grade are opting to make PowerPoint presentations instead of writing papers. Thanks to Microsoft, schools are able to afford the necessary software by providing educational discounts. While the students seem to enjoy doing the presentation, critics are concerned that writing skills are declining especially since the SAT will add a writing section in 2005. Still companies support the use of PowerPoint and are thrilled that students are learning to use technology, improving their public speaking skills, and working as a team to produce the presentations.

Reflection: Was PowerPoint part of your education? What benefits and drawbacks did you experience as a student using it? How will you make use of it in your classroom?

Response: I only recall doing one PowerPoint presentation in high school and I loved it. It gave me an opportunity to explore technology that I had not used before while learning about history. I did spend more time fiddling with graphics than actually finding and presenting the material. In college, I have used PowerPoint more. When I know my peers are going to be reviewing my work and my understanding of the material it really forces me to learn. I especially enjoy having other students’ present topics using PowerPoint. I can sit and listen thoroughly and later find the presentation online to review. I can see how teachers are worried that students are not learning while using PowerPoint. But by teaching other students about a topic, a student learns. They have to research, organize material, and figure out the most effective way to present it to a class.

In my classroom, I will make use of the software frequently. In order to reinforce writing skills, I can have the students write about how they found their material and why they presented it the way they did. While writing will always be important, public speaking is become equally if not more important. Excellent rhetoric is essential to the modern day business community and must be learned. Technology captivates children, so PowerPoint can help make students more interested in learning; some students won’t even realize they are learning.

Submitted by:Erica Lyn Benjamin, American University
Source: Kronholz, June. “PowerPoint hits elementary school.” MSNBC. 12 November 2002.