Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Guess what? PowerPoint isn't just boring PowerPoint anymore! Yes, they have upgraded for all you who really love PowerPoint. So many new tools and enhancements have been added that the software has become a "multi-application" type of program. Now, it permits photography enhancements that were previously only found in separately packaged programs. It allows you to not only to select and crop, but also change the shapes of photos, frame them, soften the lighting, and many other options are offered in the photo tools area. And, as shown above, we can now even remove the backgrounds from images. These tools were pretty much found most often in the Adobe Suite of tools previously, but now Microsoft has bundled them in their regular Office Suite of programs!
Why am I mentioning this? Although I am a huge fan of "most all things Apple" I do believe there is still a place in our technology world of education and society for Windows Operating System and Microsoft programs. I know that many people are either all the way Apple or all the way Microsoft; however, as a person who has worked in both education, business, and web design in the corporate world I have found that we are truly a blessed culture to have both platforms.
Although both handle business related needs well, Microsoft has an edge. Partially because it is the more widely utilized software and also recognized more readily by those in the business world. The company has spent many years (the bulk of their existence) in building and improving the Office Suite which has evolved into truly amazing tools for the business world not to mention educators.
Apple has been around for a long time as well, but did not progress in the same way that Microsoft, its competitor, did. As it has evolved it has had its niche in more of the creativity side of technology, and, more recently has also become very popular in education--especially in the younger grades. With its mobile devices and the power they offer, Apple is evolving into more than the creativity tools in technology, but has also introduced numerous business-related applications. Also, it now will permit cross-platform use so that Windows users may load applications onto Macs that are Microsoft based.
So, as we educators are life-long learners we need to become comfortable in both technology worlds: Apple and Microsoft. So, please make sure if you have not had an opportunity to check out the "bells and whistles" in PowerPoint (2007 and 2010 versions) as well.
Questions? Please don't hesitate to email me at nhickman@horrycountyschools.net.
