Lesson 2: Teaching with Productivity Software: Spreadsheets and Databases

Educators are using spreadsheets and databases in many different ways.  In general, these tools are referred to as productivity software.  They are helpful because of the large amounts of data that can be stored, sorted, edited, calculated, and displayed in visual representations such as, charts and graphs.  These tools can be used for instructional purposes, enhancing students’ learning experiences and as an administration tool for teachers.

Reviewing different ways educators are using both of these tools, I discovered this website I would recommend,
 http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/techknowpark/freefall/resources.html.       


This site includes various avenues to explain spreadsheets including, a diagram, word search, fill in the blank identification of terms game, etc. 

Once the viewer has a grasp on what a spreadsheet is, the site provides examples of applying data to spreadsheets.  For example, “A Shopping Spree” is an exercise where the user has won $1,000.00 to spend at a toy store.  The total cost of the toys can’t exceed the winnings.  The site offers an imaginary check and an order form, which is the spreadsheet. 

Other resources and links are presented for creating spreadsheets.  Then, after the data is collected, the site offers resources and basic information about representing the data through graphs.

One of the resource links is Technology Integration Made Easy (TIME), http://www.ncsu.edu/project/middletech/lambert/TIME/.  This site includes teacher scripts, lesson plans, computer files, student sheets, activities, answer sheets, teacher resources, and student samples.

 

I wish I could say that something surprised me about the use of spreadsheets and databases in the classroom.  However, I generally know their applications are far reaching.  What did surprise me, perhaps overwhelmed me, were the amount of resources available on the web from dedicated, education professionals.  The creative application of these tools as teaching techniques is inspiring.  I wish all the resources were more centralized and the quality of the information assessed.  I suppose I’ll discover my ‘favorites’ as I begin to apply my knowledge to a real career in teaching in the near future!

I would use spreadsheets and databases for both administrative purposes and as instructional tools.  I have used Excel for my entire professional career outside of the education field.  It has become second nature to me to input any data I have into a spreadsheet so that it is electronic, easily manipulated, and organized.  I’m sure I will use it to track everything imaginable in the classroom, student assessments, administrators requirements, lesson plans, IEP goals, etc. 

While I’m resourceful and creative in discovering information, I’m not a developer.  Therefore, I will welcome the resources available to aid me with integrating these technological tools into educational enhancement opportunities for students, such as presented in the aforementioned website.  


Many subjects allow for the integration of spreadsheets into the lesson plan, math and science are the most obvious.  However, social science, history, and other areas have opportunities for the integration of these tools.  For instance, a student can chart the population sizes of various countries or the amount of rainfall.  Sometimes the application isn’t as obvious for subject areas outside of math and science, but using spreadsheets and databases when those opportunities arise may have the most impact!