Digital Literacy-Presenting Information

Objectives
Student will be able to:
  • identify digital programs that can be used to present information.
  • describe how different digital programs can be used to present information.

Introduction

Digital literacy is being able to locate, evaluate, create, and share information using digital technology. This technology includes your laptop, desktop computer, hand-held devices, smartphone, and tablet. Knowing about these, their features, and how they work are part of digital literacy.

Suppose you have to present a report to your class. How would you create the report? How would you present it? There are several types of digital tools that would be helpful. Word processing programs, spreadsheets, slideshows, videos, and digital whiteboards are terrific tools for presenting information. In fact, many of these can be used together. Files can often be imported or exported into another one of these formats. For example, a word processing file could be used in a slideshow. Let's take a closer look at each of these tools.

Word Processing Programs

Word processing is a way of using a computer to prepare written texts. These could be research papers, letters, or essays. If you have ever typed a book report on a computer, you have most likely used a word processing program. These allow you to create and edit text. You can also change the margins and layout, and choose the font. You can see your text, as well as any changes you make, on the computer screen.

One advantage of using word processing is that they often have spelling and grammar checks. A thesaurus may be offered, too. These tools can help you revise and improve your writing. When you are finished, you can save and e-mail, upload, or print your work.

Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet is a type of grid that organizes data into rows and columns. Each space in the grid is called a cell. Spreadsheets are a great way to record, display, and compare information. Formulas can be inserted for each set of data. For example, you might insert a formula to find the sum of the numbers in a row. Or, you might choose to have a set of data to be written as a date, as money, or as a decimal.
One advantage of using a spreadsheet is that the data can be sorted or filtered. Another is the amount of time that is saved by having the program calculate numbers. New data can be input, and the calculations are updated automatically. Also, spreadsheets display data in an organized, easy-to-read format. They can also graph the data.

Slideshows
One way to give a visual presentation is by using a slideshow. A slide is created on a computer. Each slide is a single page of the presentation. Slides can include images, text, or both. A slideshow presents a series of several slides, which are used to share information about a topic. The slideshow is usually projected onto a screen using a digital projector. Music, sounds, animation, and narration can be added to the slideshow. 
One benefit of using a slideshow is that it helps to keep the attention of the audience. Another is that slideshows combine visual images with the oral presentation. It can be easier to remember information is both seen and heard.
Videos
A slideshow is a series of still images. However, videos contain moving images, such as what you see in a movie or on TV. Presenting information in the form of a video can help students remember and understand the information better. They will also be more excited about what they are learning.
Videos allow students to take virtual, and sometimes impossible, field trips. For example, without the use of video, would you really be able to take a field trip to the moon? Would you ever be able to tour the inside of a human body? Would your teacher be able to take you to other countries to meet students around the globe? Videos also show experiments that you would not be able to do in class. They can even let you see plays and concerts. Another advantage of videos is that they allow students to see and hear the information.

Digital Whiteboards

Do your teachers ever use chalk to write on a chalkboard or markers on a whiteboard? A digital chalkboard or digital whiteboard looks similar to those that we write on. However, they are actually touch-sensitive computer screens. These large digital boards are connected to a computer and projector. The boards can be used to control the computer using a special pen, or sometimes by using your finger.

Any computer document, PowerPoint presentation, Web site, or photo can be displayed on the digital board. You can then access the computer buttons or write on the document by touching the image displayed on the screen. These are a great tool for presenting information and sharing interactive lessons in class. By using a digital board, the teacher can be at the front of the room by the board, rather than having to stand by the computer to control it.  


Examples
Use what you have learned about presenting information to complete the following.
1.
Leroy has to write a book report. Which of the following is he most likely to use to write the report?
a. video
b. slideshow
c. spreadsheet
d. word processing software
 

Did you choose d. word processing software? Outstanding! Because Leroy's book report will be written text, he will use a word processor to create and edit his writing. Once it is complete, he can print the report to hand in to his teacher, or he can e-mail it to her.


2.
In the Introduction, highlight the advantages of the tool that Leroy used to write his report.  

There are a number of advantages to using word processing software. These include the fact these programs often have spelling and grammar checks. A thesaurus may be offered, too. Did you highlight these advantages? Perfect! Tools such as these can help you make your writing the best it can be! Word processing software also lets you turn in a very neat paper. Making your work easy for the teacher to read is always a good idea!


Try Together
Use what you have learned about presenting information to complete the following.
1.
The purpose of is to organize information.
 
spreadsheets
 

2.
What is one advantage of using videos to present information?
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • Videos give students the chance to experience field trips, performances, and experiments that they would not be able to do in real life.
  • By watching videos, students can see and hear things that they could not experience by using a textbook.
 

3.
What are the similarities and differences between slideshows and videos?

 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • Both offer ways to see information. Slideshows show still images, while videos show moving footage.
  • A slideshow is a series of still images, but videos contain moving images. These are alike in that both let viewers see pictures of people, places, and things, and both will keep the viewer's attention better than just listening.
 

4.
How could one of the tools discussed in this lesson help you with a school assignment?
 

Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:

  • I could use a spreadsheet to organize data for my science fair project.
  • Using a slideshow would be a great way to share photos, maps, and information for my geography presentation.
 

Please evaluate the student's answers:

Excellent

Good

Okay