Using technology to help support writing is growing at a significant rate. Anyone can use technology to write anything. So it should come to no surprise that it can help with any sort of writing activity. I would make use of creating concept maps to help the students to actively create and plan their own writing assignment easier. Also using technology to write essays becomes much easier and can help produce more and newer ideas. Using this technology allows for easy editing. Some of the online programs make it assessable for others to review the writing and make it very for them to add constructive criticism.
Not allowing a PowerPoint presentation not distract the viewing audience is very important. One way not to distract the audience is by not using violent or obnoxiously bright colors, such as red that hurts the eyes and brings the attention away from your presentation to the color. Other ways not to distract the audience is by not allowing too much animation. Animation can be helpful when trying to make a point clear but can also take the attention away from what is important. Following the guidelines from the textbook should be something easy to do and will allow for a very affective presentation.
Using technology for writing and presentations is becoming more and more popular. Writing assignments in the classroom are benefiting in more ways thanks to technology. Programs allow the students to practice, prepare, and do the actual writing assignment. But the students need to understand with technology come some distractions. Such as using PowerPoint to help with their writing. Students need to understand how to weed out the distractions and make a clear and concise project that will benefit their writing abilities.
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R., & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful learning with technology. Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
