Using Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database Software Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching

General Word Processing Features and Capabilities Storing documents for later use. Erasing and inserting text. Searching and replacing text. Moving or copying text. Inserting carriage returns - word wraparound. Changing the style and appearance of text easily. Justifying text on both margins. Creating headers, footers, and numbering pages - pagination.

General Word Processing Features and Capabilities (cont.) Inserting text prepared on other word processors. Checking and correcting spelling. Suggesting words. Reviewing style and grammar. Allowing the insertion of graphics. Merging text with database files.

Advantages of Word Processing for Education Saving time. Creating professional looking documents. Sharing text among multiple users.

Benefits of Word Processing: Findings from Research Do students write better with word processing? ‘It depends’ (IETIT p131) Generally, studies seem to suggest that students who are using word processing are improving their writing and their attitude toward writing only if it is used in the context of good writing instruction and if students have enough time to learn word processing features. Teachers should not expect their student’s writing quality to improve automatically if the teachers use word processing software with their students.

Applying Word Processing in Various Instructional Ways Writing processes. Students can write, edit, and illustrate stories by using word processing. Dynamic group products. A group of students can write a poem or letter together, adding and changing lines anytime. Individual language, writing, and reading exercises. Encouraging writing across the curriculum.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Word Processing Forgetting to move the cursor before typing. Forgetting to highlight before changing a format. ‘Losing’ part of the document. Forgetting automatic wraparound at the end of lines.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Word Processing Problems naming and saving files. Incorrect spacing at the top or bottom of the document. --Loading paper in the printer. --Extra lines in the document. Problems searching and replacing text.

Spreadsheet Software in Teaching and Learning Spreadsheet are also called worksheets. Spreadsheets were the earliest application software available for microcomputers. A spreadsheet program can be a stand alone package or it can be part of an integrated package such as Microsoft Works. Teachers use spreadsheets in gradebooks or gradekeeping packages to store and calculate grades.

Spreadsheet Features and Capabilities Calculations and comparisons. Spreadsheets can calculate and manipulate stored numbers in lots of ways by using different formulas. Automatic recalculation. Copying cells.

Spreadsheet Features and Capabilities Placing information in column-row formats for easy reading and interpretation. Creating graphs that correspond to data. Using worksheets prepared with other programs.

Advantages of Spreadsheets Time savings. Creating charts. Answering “what if” questions. Motivation.

Teacher Productivity - Applications of Spreadsheets Gradekeeping. Club and/or classroom budgets. Computerized checkbooks for clubs or other organizations.

Teacher Productivity - Applications of Spreadsheets Attendance charts. Performance assessment checklist. Class inventory.

Teaching and Learning Activities - Applications of Spreadsheets Demonstrations. Student products. Problem solving activities. Storing and analyzing data. Projecting grades.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions Learning Spreadsheets Forgetting to highlight cells to be formatted. Difficulty developing formulas and using predefined functions.

Database Defined Allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information, including text and numerical data. Allow the user to locate information through key word searches. “ People often use the term database to refer both to the computer program and the product it creates. However, database products are also sometimes called files.

Types of Database Programs and Products Single application: dBase, Microsoft Word Integrated package: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Database software: dBase, Microsoft Works Prepared database: ERIC on Disc or online

Types of Database Programs and Products Flat filing system: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Relational filing system: dBase, Fox Pro, Oracle Non-programmable systems: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Programmable DBMS systems: dBase, Fox Pro, Oracle

General Database Features and Capabilities Allowing changes to information. Sorting information alphabetically or numerically. Searching for information. Creating & Retrieving reports or summaries of information. Merging with word processing documents.

Advantages of Databases Reducing data redundancy and error. Saving time locating and/or updating information. Allowing comparisons of information through queries. Rapid information retrieval.

Issues Related to Databases Privacy Act of 1974 The Act also limits the kind of information that can be kept on citizens, and requires that people be told what information the government keeps on them. Teachers must recognize their responsibility to safeguard student information and protect it from unauthorized access. Teachers have to keep disks in secure places, make sure passwords remain secret, and delete information at the request of parents or students.

Teacher Productivity - Database Software Teachers may use databases to help them prepare classroom materials and other tasks they would otherwise have to do by hand or couldn’t do at all. Inventorying and locating instructional resources. Using information on students to plan instruction and enhance motivation. Using information on students to respond to questions or perform required tasks.

Teaching and Learning Activities - Database Software Teaching research and study skills. Teaching organization skills. Understanding the power of information “pictures.” Posing and testing hypotheses.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Databases Confusing spreadsheet and database features. Difficulties with keyword searches. Decisions about which fields to include.

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