Chapter 4 focuses on three software programs used by most educators: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Databases. They are often referred to as the basic productivity tools because they were the first tools designed to save time and effectively complete tasks.
The book defines the following uses of the software—
(1) Word Processing: Programs that allow people to produce typed documents.
(2) Spreadsheets: Programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data.
(3) Databases: Programs that allow users to store and organize information (text/numerical).
The primary benefits for all three software programs includes; reduced amount of time spent completing tasks, organization, and improved appearance of work.
Teachers can use these in and outside of the classroom. They can use Word Processing in an English lesson requiring students to type and edit stories, poems, etc. Or, outside of the classroom by creating newsletters/handouts to be sent home to parents. Teachers can use Spreadsheet in a Math lesson requiring students to record data and total up findings. Or, they can use it to record and easily access/ edit student grades. And lastly, teachers can use Databases to store future lesson planning ideas.
The software that I intend on using in my classroom most often is Word Processing. It is a great tool for students to use when writing because they are able to move or copy text, erase/insert text, and save their work. In addition, it can assist their spelling accuracy with spell check and build their vocabulary with suggested words from the Thesaurus. It is also a great tool for teachers to create classroom flyers or parent newsletters.
I intend on using Word Processing most often in my classroom as well. The opportunity to use Word Processing is a motivator for students. During my methods experience, my mentor teacher had the students write a journal entry every day. A teacher had to check their work before they started working on their seatwork. Typically, when I would check the students’ stories, most of them would not check their work before giving it to me. One day, my mentor teacher allowed the students to type their journal for the day using Word Processing. As I was checking the students’ work, I could tell that they were trying their best so that they could use the computers as soon as possible. This is important for teachers to remember because Word Processing can be used as a tool to motivate students in addition to educating them.
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