I think that the three software tools, word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation are very handy and important to own.  These three programs makes everyone’s lives easier.  To me, when I first learned about Microsoft Spreadsheet and Presentation and even Microsoft Word, I was overwhelmed.  But after being in the classroom that I student teach in, I see that these tools are used on a daily basis and it helps the teachers tremendously.  Firstly, they write the homework on Powerpoint.  They use certain fonts to help the students see better and the way it is designed helps the students copy the homework clearly and correctly.  Secondly, many times when the teachers are trying to explain certain things, they will use a word processing software and this again helps gain the students attention as well as helps them grasp the material.  Being that our smartboard has only been working for a few days, I have not seen much else be done with the software tools being discussed in the textbook.  However, when I become a teacher, I plan on using all three of these software tools fairly often, especially Powerpoint.  Powerpoint I believe is a great way to have students interested in what is being taught because of all the effects and pictures that can be used. 

                I also think it is extremely important for students to be taught how to use these tools.  If students are taught how to use them at a young age, it will become routine for them and they will hopefully become more proficient in these areas.  These tools mostly only help students and I believe that if they are taught how to use these tools, it will help their schooling and education.  

This week was my first week student teaching and it was very informative for me.  Last semester, the classroom that I was a part of did not have a working smart board so I never saw one being used.  The classroom that I’m in this semester does have a more functioning smart board, however it does not always work and it gives the teachers great difficulty to use it.  During a teachers meeting in a different classroom, the smart board was being used and I thought it was so interesting and I can see how a smart board can greatly effect a classroom.  Being that I have not been in the classroom when the smart board is being used, I can only imagine that a smart board makes a huge difference when it comes to having the students  digest and understand material being taught. 

                Other than the smart board, disappointingly, I did not see much technology being used in the classroom.  There is one computer in the back of the room and the students have not used that.  I hope that once the smart board is fixed, it will be working and the students will be able to benefit from all that it has to offer. 

                Something I read in the book which I thought was interesting was that there are now standards that teachers have to meet in regards to technology.  I think the emphasis on technology in the classroom is very important and will only be beneficial for the students.