Week 5: Spreadsheets, Databases, and Presentations
After word processing, computers are extensively used in keeping records, doing calculations, and making slide show presentation for business and education. Software to accomplish these usually comes in a "suite" -- a collection of a word processor, database, spreadsheet and presentation software. The most widely used of these are Microsoft Office, including the programs Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and Power Point. Corel's Perfect Office suite contains similar programs such as Corel Word Perfect and Quattro Pro.
Databases and spreadsheets have much in common, although databases are more likely to be used for producing reports, while spreadsheets make calculations which provide the basis for graphical charts. Both databases and spreadsheets utilize "templates," which are pre-formatted cells used for different purposes, for instance, mailing lists, grade reports, tax calculators and statistical charts. Presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, is a series of slides used for instructional purposes. Slides can have a variety of backgrounds, incorporate graphics and sound files, and use different transitions. Computer systems can be attached to LCD projectors or television screens for larger viewing.
Focus Questions
- How might a database be used in your organization? By teachers? By students?
- How might a spreadsheet be used in your organization? By teachers? By students?
- How might a slide show presentation be used in your organization? By teachers? By students?
Databases
Database Basics
Spreadsheets
Presentations
In-class Assignment: Create a template for a database or spreadsheet, or create a Power Point presentation. Demonstrate before the class.
Assignment: Write a 2-page paper (due next week) on how technology could best be used in your classroom. Indicate the grade level and ability level of your students, the equipment and software available to you, your own level of ability using multimedia equipment, and what difference in preparation, presentation and learning might take place. Tell why (or why not) using multimedia in the classroom would be an improvement over a traditional presentation of material.
