![Picture](/uploads/3/8/1/3/38134341/1488477.jpg?306)
BBPTs (Beyond the Basic Productivity Tool) is software that goes beyond the basic capabilities of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. It presents instruction to support background tasks that make a classroom run smoothly. It gives better accuracy, timelines of information, and more support for interaction and sharing. Types of BBPTs: data collection and analysis tools, planning and organizing tools, research and reference tools, and content area tools. Such tools help teachers to collect and organize student data as well as support teaching and learning activities. Unlike instructional software were learning is computer based and offers feedback, BBPTs can be manipulated by teachers and students to meet classroom needs. Examples of basic productivity tools are electronic gradebooks, CAD, and reading tools such as accelerated reader. CAD (computer assisted design system) is a special kind of graphics production tool that allows users to prepare sophisticated and precise drawings of objects. Some teachers used CAD software to teach drawing concepts in art and related topics. Online encyclopedias allow students to research a topic and allow for multimedia formats that offer film clips to related topic.
Cell phones and handheld technologies such as the iPad have software tools that are already installed. These devices make software portable and available. Cloud computing is another tool that is downloadable and is storage outside one's own computer. Software suites such as Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard has Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, and Adobe acrobat all in one. Although BBPTs are great tools for students to indulge in, it may take away from face to face presentations. Suites can also be fairly expensive for educators; however, there are other software suites that are available as free downloads. Attached is a lesson template highlighting the use CAD in the classroom. It will allow students to recognize shapes in reference to volume and space and allow them to be creative with these shapes. Please take a moment to view what I have designed for implementing this tool in the classroom.
Cell phones and handheld technologies such as the iPad have software tools that are already installed. These devices make software portable and available. Cloud computing is another tool that is downloadable and is storage outside one's own computer. Software suites such as Adobe Creative Suite Design Standard has Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, and Adobe acrobat all in one. Although BBPTs are great tools for students to indulge in, it may take away from face to face presentations. Suites can also be fairly expensive for educators; however, there are other software suites that are available as free downloads. Attached is a lesson template highlighting the use CAD in the classroom. It will allow students to recognize shapes in reference to volume and space and allow them to be creative with these shapes. Please take a moment to view what I have designed for implementing this tool in the classroom.