Technology can enhance student learning.
Technology provides many tools that a teacher can use to supplement classroom instruction. However, it is important to understand file compatibility and create learning tools that can be used by the widest number of students across many types of computer. You must also plan ahead for crashes and unexpected data loss in case of a computer malfunction.
PowerPoint and Handouts
PowerPoint presentations utilize computer wall projectors and replace overhead projectors and transparencies. You can save and reuse PowerPoint presentations from year to year, updating and adding slides as information changes. You can also print PowerPoint presentations in "handout" format, which creates a copy of the slides for students to take notes on. This allows students to focus more on your instruction and less on trying to write down everything during your presentation.
PDF Documents
While you can create documents in programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Publisher, remember that not every student owns these programs at home. To ensure the widest compatibility for all of your students, convert these files into PDF format. PDF viewers are free and work universally on different computers, no matter which operating system or how old the machine may be. Your school may provide you with conversion software, or you can convert files using online conversion webpages.
Class Website
Many schools offer teachers their own websites and space on the school webserver. If you know create a website, it is a powerful tool for sharing and providing digital files for your students. When you upload your handouts and PDF files and link them on your website, your students can download the files on any computer that connects to the Internet. You can also use a website to post announcements and class schedules.
Data Backup
No computer is invulnerable to crashes, viruses or data loss. Because of this, always back up all of your teaching files on multiple backup drives. Purchase a USB drive for class-related material only and use this to back up any files you keep on your computer. From time to time, burn a DVD or CD with your backup files and store it is a safe location.
Tags: PowerPoint presentations, your students, data loss, tools that
