Reflections Chapter 11 - What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software

Games and simulations increase student attention and motivation, they use thinking, planing, learning and technical skills increasingly demanded by today's work industries. Simulations have been shown to increase match scores and with increased manipulation provides students a environment that supports critical thinking and re-world application of knowledge and skills. I think the motivation and engaging students to use the knowledge they already have in new ways to learn is the strongest aspect of these type of programs

Reflections Chapter 8 - Is it possible to create an interactive simulation or model with a spreadsheet?

Yes, interactive simulations are great ways for students to find how changing some parts of the data can result in a change of the whole. Like the example given in the unit readings wights on different plants would make understanding gravity's effect of weight. Just like a budget for a play can be a very complicated balancing act. students can use pie charts to view what aspects of a production are the most costly from, advertising to materials needed to build sets.

The use of simulations is a great way to get students to say interested in the material. it is not just information anymore, it is something they can relate to on a individual level. Anything that is interactive and responsive is going to feel more real and will get the student to react and turn in to a researcher.

an interesting view of the use of simulations. It is true that it will replace the model and in that sense it is not always the best way to go.
http://www.stanford.edu/class/symbsys205/commentaryonsimulationineducation.htm

Reflections Chapter 8 - Can you identify three graphs or charts your students could make that would help them develop a better understanding of the content.

Students could use a pie chart to visually display what locations are used the most in any particular play. This would help them keep track of what is going to be the most important place in the play. When designing the scenes of the play it is best to know what should be the "base" of design. If the lesson was to calculate alternate costs of items needed for a play, like props or costume elements a side by side bar graph to show what will be the most cost effective. If the lesson was to calculate the over all total expected return for a show the students could a line chart to display the profit growth. depending on ticket cost and expected audience. The variety of items that can be entered and graphed is only limited by the way you enter the data. They are fun ways for students to find trends in data.

Reflections Chapter 8 - How could your students manipulate the data to discover relationships or trends.

If they tracked each characters entrance and props use in a spreadsheet. The data could be sorted by scene or actor or even act, also with the inclusion of a location data field students could find when props should be and what props are needed when. A very important part of any stage managers job is to ensure that props are available when and where they are required. They would know what is the most used and the least used.

Reflections Chapter 8 - Can you identify two types of data your students could collect as part of a lesson.

The great thing about spreadsheets is that they can track and manage almost any kind of data. If the lesson was to study direction ques from a script, students could keep track of each characters entrance and exit and what props they have with them. It would allow them to link information they researched and then present it in an easy to view and read form created in Excel.

I used excel a lot a student in college, it was a great tool and helped me with math as well as my more creative classes. I also used this a lot as a stage manager to create practical documents for production. I could use this tool in any class where we were going to study character movement by scene, the cells could be used to fit any text or type of data needed to be entered. The text uses them more to reinforce math skills, though students don't have to know the math skill but it is a great help when working with formals. This is a great tool for teachers and students of all levels and proficiency.

http://www.amphi.com/~psteffen/excel.html
here is a website about spreadsheets in the classroom

Reflections Chapter 7 - In what ways are the individual needs of students met when their work is completed with a word processor.

The functions available with in a word processor are powerful functions that create equality in the classroom. Simple things like spell check and thesaurus make one student who may not be the best speller able to create work just as precise and accurate as another students who excels in that area. While the function of a word precision it self, typing words take hand writing clarity out of the equation.

Reflections Chapter 7 - How can word processing be used to engage students in higher-level thinking?

When students have the ability to easily edit and manipulate what they are trying to present, they can demonstrate their knowledge on multiple levels. As the test says when students use word processing to present new information they demonstrate 4 of the 6 NETS

1. Creativity and Innovation
3. Research and Information Fluency
4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
6. Technology Operations and Concepts.

When students can relate their knowledge and understanding on a topic on these levels they can take and use that information in high level thinking.