Word processing systems have been around for a number of years and their use in the classroom is undisputed. They can be used for book reports, creating newsletters, data graphing, creating tables of information, as well as use in special projects. Use of word processing in student projects can begin as early as elementary school and teachers can assist students in building basic word processing tools that can be added upon as students’ progress in their academic careers.
The most commonly used word processor is Microsoft Word. Although more popular in the late 1980’s through the mid 1990’s, Corel Word Perfect is also still widely used. Other word processing systems such as Open Office.org Writer, LyX, NeoOffice, and AbiWord come to school districts at minimal to no cost. Spreadsheets
Inputted data can be housed in spreadsheets where it can be manipulated by entering in formulas and final data can be used to create a visual graph or chart. Because most spreadsheet applications have a wide variety of tools available, students who are able to use computers at even the most basic level will be able to handle the basic functions of spreadsheet software.
Perhaps the most popular spreadsheet application, Excel, was created by Microsoft. Other spreadsheets such as Apple Numbers and Lotus 1-2-3 come at a cost, however other free online spreadsheets such as Gnumeric and Open Office.org Calc are an excellent alternative when facing a tight school district budget.
Databases
Inputted data can also be housed in a variety of database software. Many software components allow for templates to be both created and data inputted within a distict set of of data fields. Students who have basic ability computer use will be able to: access databases, enter data into database fields and save housed intormation to utilize at a later date.
The most commonly used databases are Microsoft Access and Oracle, though there are many more specialized databases are used for specific career fields such as FileMaker and MySQL. Free software is available for classroom use: Firebird, Postgre SQL and BerkeleyDB .
Mind Tools
Mind tools come in all shapes and forms. Mind tools range from brainstorming and concept mapping tools in which creators use whatever “comes to mind,” to specific model tools which are far too advanced for younger learners, to free form tools with limitless abilities.
The most commonly used mind tools are Microsoft Vizio, MindGenius, MindMapper, XMind Pro, and specifically Kidspiration. Free software is available for classroom use: FreeMind, Freeplane, Compendium, and Pimki.
Word Processors
Word processing systems have been around for a number of years and their use in the classroom is undisputed. They can be used for book reports, creating newsletters, data graphing, creating tables of information, as well as use in special projects. Use of word processing in student projects can begin as early as elementary school and teachers can assist students in building basic word processing tools that can be added upon as students’ progress in their academic careers.
The most commonly used word processor is Microsoft Word. Although more popular in the late 1980’s through the mid 1990’s, Corel Word Perfect is also still widely used. Other word processing systems such as Open Office.org Writer, LyX, NeoOffice, and AbiWord come to school districts at minimal to no cost.
Spreadsheets
Inputted data can be housed in spreadsheets where it can be manipulated by entering in formulas and final data can be used to create a visual graph or chart. Because most spreadsheet applications have a wide variety of tools available, students who are able to use computers at even the most basic level will be able to handle the basic functions of spreadsheet software.
Perhaps the most popular spreadsheet application, Excel, was created by Microsoft. Other spreadsheets such as Apple Numbers and Lotus 1-2-3 come at a cost, however other free online spreadsheets such as Gnumeric and Open Office.org Calc are an excellent alternative when facing a tight school district budget.
Databases
Inputted data can also be housed in a variety of database software. Many software components allow for templates to be both created and data inputted within a distict set of of data fields. Students who have basic ability computer use will be able to: access databases, enter data into database fields and save housed intormation to utilize at a later date.
The most commonly used databases are Microsoft Access and Oracle, though there are many more specialized databases are used for specific career fields such as FileMaker and MySQL. Free software is available for classroom use: Firebird, Postgre SQL and BerkeleyDB .
Mind Tools
Mind tools come in all shapes and forms. Mind tools range from brainstorming and concept mapping tools in which creators use whatever “comes to mind,” to specific model tools which are far too advanced for younger learners, to free form tools with limitless abilities.
The most commonly used mind tools are Microsoft Vizio, MindGenius, MindMapper, XMind Pro, and specifically Kidspiration. Free software is available for classroom use: FreeMind, Freeplane, Compendium, and Pimki.
H. Jones