Spreadsheets

How do I use Spreadsheet?

 When I was teaching I was required to use Spreadsheet to record MLPP (Michigan Literacy Progress Profile) and DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) three times a year.  We were also required to create two different forms. One form would show the whole class and the other would show the individual student.  At the end of each year the individual form would enter the students record to better help their teacher next year place them in the correct reading group.  I had no problem completing this task using Spreadsheet.  

I also used Spreadsheet to keep track of funds for the student council.  I would record the amount of money we made at the different sporting events and also subtract the money we spent on dances and other events for the school.  By doing this I knew how much money we had in our account without asking the accountants. 

Before my school starting using Powerschool, I would use Spreadsheet to keep take of grades to better help fill out report cards when it came time to handwriting each one.  Boy, am I glad the school starting using Powerschool and cut report card making time in half!
We also used Spreadsheet to complete our lesson plans that were in full details with standards attached.  The school charter was going to expire so we had to keep detailed records of what we taught and when. 

How do my students use Spreadsheet?

I didn't use Spreadsheet a ton with my students. We manly used it for creating simple charts or graphs for math lessons.We would record different simple surveys and the student would work together to create bar graphs.  It was very basic and simple use of Spreadsheet. 

What else would I like to do with Spreadsheet?

Overall, I find Spreadsheet to be very intimidating.  I understand the basics. I know how to merge cells, how to create a basic chart or graphs and a couple other basic features. I would like to better understand writing functions. I remember in high school and one college class writing functions in Spreadsheet but I no longer remember how to write them. I guess I haven't needed them so why remember how to do it.  For my student council spreadsheet, I did have addition and subtraction functions in place otherwise I am at a loss!

Database Software

How do I use Database Software?

I have to admit I didn't use database software such as Access while I was teaching. When I had to create tables and charts I would use Excel.  The school required us to use Excel when reporting Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP) and Development Reading Assessment (DRA) three times a year.  

In my personal life I have created and used databases for my mail merging for Christmas cards. The database allows me to print and create address labels for each different address. I have to tell you, I created it all in Excel. I didn't even realize I was using a database until I had to edit an address.   

How do my students use Database Software?

I taught first and second grade and I don't think we ever talked about database software. My students might of learned about the program in their Technology class, but I don't recall ever hearing about it.  I don't think that my classroom computer even had any database software on the computer for the students to use. 

What else would I like to do with Database Software?

I think the answer to this question should be a long list. I would like to do a lot more than I have been doing with the software.  I like how the book talked about students researching and comparing data with the software.  My class was required to complete a report on an animal and its habit every year. I could  have the students enter different fields for their discovers about the animals. After the whole class has presented and enter their data we could use the data to compare and contrast different parts of the animals and their habits.  

I also think having a student database with emergency information is a great idea. I had a stack of forms parents filled out at the beginning on the year. Having it on the computer would free up space and also lessen the chance of me loosing the forms. 

My school used Powerschool as their grading software.  Powerschool had some information about the students, however if I created my own database, I could add the information I thought was important to have on hand.  
Another use for a database would be to catalog all the student books in the classroom.  I had bins of books, having a record might make it easier for me to locate and know what I have in the classroom or in the many storage bins. It would take a while to record all the books but it would be worth it in the long run.  

Word Processing software

How do you use Word Processing software?

I would have to say out of all the Microsoft Office software that we use as teachers, I like Word Processing (WP) the best! I feel it is the easiest to operate and it allows for a variety of different templates to be used or the user can create their own work.  
I used Word Processing on a daily basis in my classroom. I would create a weekly classroom newsletter with three columns to keep families informed on everything going on in our classroom. The letter would include weekly spelling words, the subject we were covering in each core subject, important dates to remember, upcoming birthdays in the classroom and always my email and phone number to reach me at the school.  I would also type a list of spelling words using WP and attach it to the students planners.  Doing this I would hope that one copy of the weekly words would make it home with the students.  
I would also create different activities for the students, such as ABC order, word sorts, fill in the blank sentences, beginning of paragraphs and much more. My WP was a key tool in teaching and I was happy to have it and a classroom printer in my class. 

How do my students use Word Processing software?

I taught first and second grade where my students attended a computer class once a week for an hour. When they were using WP in my room they were practicing typing and writing stories we had already edited together. Each student would be in charge of typing a couple of sentences for our class books.  We also used WP to write letters to other teachers and parents.  I have to admit, I didn't create many lesson that required the students to use WP since we only had access to a computer lab once a week, plus while they were in the lab the computer teacher had standards and goals she needed to cover. 

What else would you like to do with Word Processing?

I feel this is a tricky question to answer. I am not sure what else I could do with Word Processing, currently it offers everything I think I need to be an effective teacher.  I have seen where teachers have used WP to create comic strips and have their students create comic strips, maybe that would be something I would like to do with Word Processing.

What are you doing with Word Processing that you think I might enjoy doing?