Chapter 4- Teaching with the Basic Three Software Tools

Chapter four is all about the three basic softwares that are used as educational resources. These technologies are word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Word processors are programs that allow a document to be typed on the computer. Spreadsheets are useful for manipulating and organizing data and numbers. Databases let people store, organize, and manipulate information. Each of these three softwares has multiple ways they can be use in a classroom environment. Word processors are one of the most common softwares. They can be used for creating handouts and instructional materials, lesson plans, notes, reports, forms, letters to parents or students, flyers, newsletters, and more. Microsoft Word, Notebook, and Google Docs are all examples of common word processors. Spreadsheets can be used in the classroom to keep track of budgets, prepare performance charts, and keep grades. Databases can be used to inventory and locate instructional resources, data mine for planning and reporting, use information on students to respond to questions or perform required tasks, and to send personalized letters to parents and others. I think that word processers are one of the most versatile technologies for education. Many of the newest word processors allow the user to insert graphics, word art, and charts. These graphics can be easily manipulated. Because so much can be done with word processing other than simply producing text they can be used to create posters, banners, brochures and more. I can not imagine what it would be like to teach before word processors were a common educational technology.