1. Chapter 4
Teaching with the Basic Three Software Tools: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database Programs

2. Why Use Software Tools? Improved productivity Improved appearance
Improved accuracy
More support for interaction and collaboration

3. The “Basic Three” Software Tools
Word Processing
Database
Spreadsheet

4. Recent Developments in Software
Web-based software tools
Open-source software
PDA tools
Web-enabled features
Better file-exchange compatibility
Cross platform
Software suites and integrated packages

5. Word Processing Definition Characteristics
Documents as a stream of text
Whereas desktop publishing produces documents as individual pages
Text
Graphics
Placement on page

6. Word Processing Educational Impact Saves time
Enhances document appearance
Allows sharing of documents
Allows collaboration on documents
Example: Google Docs

7. Word Processing Research Issues Improves writing
Improves attitudes toward writing
More revisions
Fewer mechanical errors
Increased sharing and feedback
When to introduce
Keyboarding skills
Effects on handwriting
Impact on assessment

8. Word Processing Integration Strategies
Supporting the learning of writing processes
Using a dynamic group product approach
Assigning individual language, writing, and reading exercises
Encouraging writing through the curriculum
Integrated, interdisciplinary, and thematic instruction

9. Word Processing Strategy for Introducing Word Processing
Prepare for teaching
Demonstrate the basics
Assign individual practice
Demonstrate formatting features
Assign more individual practice
Demonstrate procedures with new files

10. Spreadsheets Definition Characteristics
Programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data
Spreadsheet can refer to the program itself or to the product it produces
Information in rows and columns
Formulas or calculation commands
Data manipulation
Charting

11. Spreadsheets Educational Impact Save time
Organize displays of information
Support asking “what if” questions
Increase motivation to work with mathematics

12. Spreadsheets Research Issues
Useful tools for teaching concepts in many areas
Problem solving
Statistical analysis
Literature contains numerous examples from mathematics to social studies
Spreadsheets versus gradebook packages
Flexibility
Setup

13. Spreadsheets in the Classroom
Productivity
Instructional Strategies
Gradebooks
Budgets
Performance checklists
Demonstrations
Student products
Support for problem solving
Storing and analyzing data
Projecting grades

14. Spreadsheets Strategy for Teaching Spreadsheets Prepare for teaching
Demonstrate the basics
Assign individual practice
Demonstrate formulas and formatting features
Assign more individual practice

15. Databases Definition Characteristics
Programs that allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information (both text and numerical data)
Database can refer to both the program or product it creates
Files
Fields
Records
Store and update data
Search queries
Reports
Formulas
“live” URLs

16. Databases Educational Impact Reduces data redundancy
Saves time locating and/or updating information
Allows comparisons of information
Helps reveal relationships among data

17. Databases Research Issues
Acquire useful skills in searching and using information
Useful in inquiry and problem solving skills
Increase teacher skills with designing lessons that use the Internet
Simplified access versus privacy
Coping with information overload
Disaggregation features

18. Databases Productivity Instructional Strategies
Inventory of instructional resources
Data mining for planning and reporting
Respond to questions or perform required tasks
Send personalized letters to parents
Research and study skills
Organizational skills
Understanding information “pictures”
Posing and testing hypotheses
Searching for information during research

19. Databases Strategy for Teaching Databases Prepare for teaching
Demonstrate the basics
Assign individual practice
Demonstrate database creation and use
Assign more individual practice