Week 2

In today's world, technology must be incorporated into the classroom to engage learners and to ensure success in learning. There are many different tools teachers can use in the classroom to incorporate technology. These tools include, but are not limited to, both database and spreadsheets. Prior to receiving the information included in this lesson, I was hesitant to incorporate these tools into my regular classroom routine. The term database refers to collections of information organized and stored electronically. It allows for information to be searched and displayed quickly. Creating a database requires critical thinking from the very beginning. Maintaining the database requires students to revisit initial levels of thought and move to a higher level of thinking. Database can be text based, hypermedia or multimedia. Examples of using a database in the classroom is that students can use this program to keep and maintain a journal to reflect on events and information they acquired that day. This allows them to discuss information that was presented and to use it for future lessons. Spreadsheets also require higher levels of thinking by requiring students to analyze and synthesize data. Projecting the spreadsheets to the smart board allows for engaging situations for students to practice skills of organizing data and creating graphs. These examples are a few ways educators are using the advancing technology to promote learning in the classroom. I have used both database and spreadsheets previously for grades and lesson plans, but have not implemented the use of them in actual student learning. I plan on using these tools with my students now that I have a better understanding of uses and applications of the programs. One of the many questions students frequently ask refers to the grade I "gave" them on a particular assignment or report card. Allowing them to create their own spreadsheet to keep track of their own grades gives students ownership of their grades. They will be able to check at any time and see the grades they "earned". I am also going to use spreadsheets in teaching concepts such as collecting and analyzing data and graphing.The website www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/databases/enhance discusses ways that a database can be used to enhance learning. I found this website very useful. I would not have thought previously to this lesson to have students create databases and use them during the year for units. I also found the discussion on using Excel helpful. Students must be able to collect data and interpret its meaning. In order to function in the corporate world, it is imperative to quickly organize, analyze, and graphically display data. Therefore, educators must teach students at a young age how to effectively use programs such as these.