Emerging Technologies Post

Every technology I use in my classroom is new to my students. Although a few of them may have computers at home, not many of them have internet. For them to do projects with PowerPoint and even Microsoft Words is an exciting process. It is a lot like when I find a new technology and have an idea of how to apply it to the classroom. I received a grant for a site licensce of Kidspiration and it just got installed on my computers and in the Media Center. I actually got excited about doing my lesson plans because I could find new ways to infuse this new technology. I know it is not new as in just out, but it is new to my plans and my students, which makes very worthwhile.

Computer Problems

One software issue that constantly frustrates me and I have constantly tried to override and outsmart is the autoformating in Microsoft Word. I will be typing along and getting my information down and suddenly the program starts putting 1.5 spacing between lines. Did I ask for this? No. Did I want this? No. I was perfectly happy with single spacing. Then I will be making spelling lists for my students to use for their homework. I am copying and pasting into a table because I don't want to use a whole page for 20 spelling words. However, when I paste the words the last one constantly drops the number AND the numbering is continiuous instead of starting over. I can go in and change that but it takes time. In short, I hate autoformatting, it does me no favors.