Week Two - Spreadsheets and Databases in the Classroom

• Provide a URL of one Web site that discusses spreadsheet and/or database use in the classroom.

One of the websites I found that discusses the use of databases in the classroom was located at: http://www.ehow.com/info_7994591_use-databases-classroom.html

• Describe something you found that surprised you about how databases or spreadsheets can be utilized in the classroom.

I was surprised by the fact that databases can be utilized in the classroom to easily and quickly send letters home to parents or guardians. Once a database is established with contact information for parents or guardians you can use the database to almost effortlessly send personalized letters home to parents by using the mail merge feature with a word processing program such as Microsoft Word. You can also create labels or print envelopes using the same database to make mailing the letters a simple task.

I was also surprised that it was possible to use a database to produce word searches and crossword puzzles. Although I have never taught, these types of activities were effective learning tools for me as an elementary/middle school student and I really like the idea of a fast and easy way to produce them.

I was significantly surprised by how easily student learning outcomes can be achieved through the use of databases and spreadsheets. Databases and spreadsheets can be used to make graphical representations of data, once these graphs are established analyzing and interpreting data can be much easier for students. Even better is the fact that multiple types of graphs can be made from the same set of data; for example, seeing a pie chart along with a bar graph can make data analysis even easier for students.

• Discuss how you have used spreadsheets and databases in the past. Include ways you have used them with your students or ways you have used them as an educator.

In the past I haven’t used spreadsheets or databases for much more than a make shift address book unless I was given a specific school assignment that required me use a spreadsheet or database.

Because I do not have my own classroom I have never had the opportunity to use them in a school setting but as a teacher I will use databases and spreadsheets to store student information, as an attendance roster, as a grade book, to keep track of assignments, to send letters home to parents, to make reward charts and to produce crossword puzzles and word searches. 

I will also use databases and spreadsheets to help achieve learning outcomes with my students. One example is to have students make a database of favorite music, books, video games or movies. Once this database has been established I will have students make graphs and charts plotting the data. These graphs and charts can then help students easily interpret and analyze their data.  By being used in this way spreadsheets and databases meet NETS*T standard (2) Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.