Beyond-the-Basic Productivity Tools
Beyond
the basic productivity tools (BBPTs) are interactive software programs that
allow you to do more than your basic productivity tools. They improve efficiency
and productivity while being more attractive and interactive in appearance. BBPT
efficiently supports teaching and learning through interactive whiteboards and
material generators. Some examples of Basic productivity tool types are: materials
generators, data collection and analysis tools, graphics tools, planning and
organizing tools, research and reference tools and content-area tools. One of
my favorite BBPTs is Glogster because it’s an interactive online poster
allowing students a different way to present projects. Another BBPT I like is Notemesh
because students can share their notes with peers whom may have missed out on
something during class. There are also web based BBPTs that students
can access for free to enhance their learning. During group work students can
use Google Docs to complete word processed documents at home or anywhere their
connected to the web. The ISTE NETS-S and area content learning standards are
supported through BBPTs. Content-area tools are used in the classroom to
support learning in various content areas like math, science, language arts,
and social studies. When students use BBPTs to create and publish their
projects they are demonstrating a loTi 4. BBPTs encourage Bloom’s Taxonomy of
higher order thinking skills because students are remembering, understanding,
applying, analyzing, and creating projects to share.
Handheld mobile devices supporting BBPTs is one the popular trends surrounding technology. More and more BBPTs are becoming available through web and cloud resources. Projects can be accessed via multiple users and stored in the cloud. BBPTs are also starting to be seen or purchased through suites with more than one tool included. Most concerns surrounding BBPTs involve the safety and privacy students are subjected to when using web-based BBPTs. The age of your students could violate the terms of use in some web-based BBPTs. It is essential that you monitor the usage of web-based productivity tools and practice internet safety with your students. BBPTs are a great way for students to interact with each other while learning about internet safety.
Robyler, M. & Doering, A. (2013). Integrating technology into teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Handheld mobile devices supporting BBPTs is one the popular trends surrounding technology. More and more BBPTs are becoming available through web and cloud resources. Projects can be accessed via multiple users and stored in the cloud. BBPTs are also starting to be seen or purchased through suites with more than one tool included. Most concerns surrounding BBPTs involve the safety and privacy students are subjected to when using web-based BBPTs. The age of your students could violate the terms of use in some web-based BBPTs. It is essential that you monitor the usage of web-based productivity tools and practice internet safety with your students. BBPTs are a great way for students to interact with each other while learning about internet safety.
Robyler, M. & Doering, A. (2013). Integrating technology into teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
![]() |
Kidspiration
3 is a fantastic Beyond the Basics Productivity Tool. The software supports
curriculum from grades k-5. Students are able to make visual connection with
concepts in math, language arts, social studies, and science. This interactive
software is engaging and promotes higher order thinking skills. The software is
designed to promote reading and writing skills along with conceptual learning
in math. Kidspiration 3 is a great way to support learning by utilizing
technology in the classroom.
Below you find a lesson idea for 4th grade students covering symmetry. Information retrieved from http://inspiration.com/kidspiration |
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/file.png)
symmetrykidspiration.kid | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | kid |