Chapter 7
1. Doesn't word processing make the writing process too easy?
Personally, I do not think that word process makes the writing process too easy. The students are still having to write the content of the paper, word processing only helps edit and enhance work. The text states that the editing function in word processing is, "beneficial to
students who wish to rewrite a paper to improve the quality, to groups of
students who want to collaboratively write a paper, and to teachers who want to
suggest edits for students in revising their papers"(Lowther and Morrison,2010). Word processing also helps save time by allowing students to edit work in a more timely manner.
2. How can word processing be used to engage students in higher-level thinking?
Word processing can engage students in higher-level thinking by allowing them to create a wide variety of different documents like reports and advertisements, graphic organizers,tables for newspaper articles,inserting objects and hyperlinks. When students are allowed to organize there information to show how new ideas
relate to previously learned information, deeper and more meaningful learning
occurs (Lowther and Morrison,2010).
3. In what ways are the individual needs of students met when their work is
completed with a word processor?
Lowther and Morrison state, a key benefit of word processing is that it allows
students to concentrate more on what they write rather than their
handwriting; therefore all students have an equal opportunity to create legible
and attractive documents" (2010, p. 180). Students can create documents that allow them to be creative and unique which in turn will hopefully improve their grades as well as allow them to enjoy the process more.
Chapter 8
1. Can you identify two types of data your students could collect as part of a
lesson?
Two types of data my students could collect as part of a lesson could be weather temperatures over the last few years and weather precipitation over the past few years.
2.How could your students manipulate the data to discover relationships or trends?
Students could create graphs and charts to help discover relationships and trends. It would give them a visual representation so that they can analyze and interpret data.
3.Can you identify three graphs or charts your students could make that would
help them develop a better understanding of the content?
My students could use a variety of graphs and charts to help them develop a
better understanding of the content. The graphs are:bar graphs,line graphs and pie graphs. The charts are: column charts, scatterplot chart, and histograms.
4.Is it possible to create an interactive simulation or model with a
spreadsheet?
It is possible to create an interactive simulation or model with a spreadsheet. Students and teachers are able to create a simulation that demonstrates manipulation of
one or more variables using a spreadsheet (Lowther and Morrison, 2010).
