Using Productivity Tools - Spreadsheets and Software Analysis

I'll start this week's reflection by stating that I love spreadsheets!! haha  I particularly love Microsoft Excel because of it's many advanced features.  I would consider myself an advanced user when compared to most spreadsheet users but I am logical enough to know that my knowledge is probably minute compared to all there is to know with this expansive software.  Over the years I have slowly shifted over to spreadsheets for more than half of what I do when I need to create a document with an Office-type program.  Besides the obvious mathematical uses of spreadsheets I find it much easier to organize things like class rosters, lists, and anything that you might want to align in a table or grid.  Spreadsheets also allow you to sort data, unlike word processors.  Some examples of concepts that I have used in various assignments include: graphing, sorting, macros, IF statements and nested IF statements, using built in Functions(RANK, SUM, AVERAGE), and conditional formatting.

We don't have the greatest system for analyzing and purchasing software at my school.  We have a Technology Committee and we have a School Committee and both of those committees have responsibilities when it comes to purchasing books or software but there is a disconnect between the two committees.  I am a member of the technology committee and it is hard to bring up items that might cause potential change because everyone on that committee is a volunteer.  Our head network guru is extremely knowledgeable about everything but if he deems that something might compromise his network or make his job a little more difficult then that item will make it past the suuggestion phase.  I fully understand his position but it is not the best structure for the welfare of the school.  If I had time to serve on both committees I could perhaps be the common link between the two, but I don't.  That's why I make due with the current situation the best I can and try to really take initiative if I have a strong opinion about a piece of software one way or another.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Using Productivity Tools - Searching and Online Word Processing

This week's class focused on searching/search engines and online word processors.  Throughout my 10 years of teaching I have always been a proponent of using multiple search engines when doing research.  After covering the topic of searching and experimenting with some various online search options I came to realize that I have been slowly falling into the habit of always using Google.  I remember giving my students many different options and explaining that not all websites are listed under every single search engine.  I've always understood that using multiple search engines is essential to getting a good variety of results but Google has carved such a solid niche in the searching category that it has made me (and many others) complacent in their searching efforts.  I feel a large part of Google's success originates from the fact that they have so much more to offer...and it's almost all free.  I think I even heard that the word Google has recently been officially added to the dictionary as a verb, like in the phrase "Google it".  The morale is that going through searching strategies and techniques has brought my reliance on Google to my attention.  I still love Google and all it has to offer like the online Calendar and the growing features of Google docs but I intend on going back to using multiple search engines when doing more extensive research.

Online word processing is becoming more prevalent in education for several reasons.  Cost, access, ease of use and collaboration are the driving forces behind online processors' growing popularity.  Most online options are free and accessible from any computer/tablet/device with an Internet connection.  Educational institutions like the convenience of not worrying about installing software, updating software, or storing files on their networks.  The capability to share and collaborate on projects is perhaps the most exciting feature because it is breaking down physical and geographical barriers in the classroom.  With Internet connections becoming more commonplace and the widespread use of WiFi it is making online word processors a more viable option for schools and student use.

I haven't used online processors in any of my classes yet because of the need for setting up accounts and email addresses but I have found a solution for next year.  I have set up a school account on a student management system called Gaggle that allows you to setup student accounts and give them restrictive email accounts.  This will allow me to setup accounts that the students can use to register for online word processors such as ZohoWriter.  I think it will end up being a gradual shift from traditional to online word processors for our school but I think it is an inevitable change that has to happen.  Next year when students get signed up and are comfortable with online word processors I'd like to try some group projects within our school and have the students collaborate in school on the project simultaneously, away from school at the same time, and away from school at different times.  Once we figure out any kinks the online processor might have I'd like to try doing a collaborative project with another school locally, nationally and then globally.

Using Productivity Tools Effectively - Week 1

We just started a new class this week - Using Productivity Tools Effectively.  I am really excited about this class because I'm hoping it will provide me with some extra resources for our teachers and staff.  It has been an ongoing struggle for me to find effective Web 2.0 type applications for my staff.  The main reason has been simply finding the time to sit down and go through the quickly mounting amount of options.  Being in a class such as this will be extremely helpful because it will give me a starting point from which to work from in my quest for useful Web 2.0 applications.  A perfect example is the content of the first week's assignments.  One assignment was to explore different programs that create graphics.  The other assignment was to explore presentation programs.  In both cases there were 5-10 different examples to choose from.  These examples had been tested out by the instructor and deemed effective enough to include in this class.  Like I stated earlier, the key is that a starting point was provided.  We weren't limited to these choices but it is much easier to have some viable options presented to you and then spin off and explore on your own than it is to just start from scratch.  The results can be overwhelming when putting a search term such as "graphic programs" into a search engine.  I was introduced to many new applications and Web 2.0 tools already in this first week.  I already have thoughts of how to incorporate the new graphics program by Deviant Art into some teacher lessons this year as well ideas for its use next year.  An added bonus is that it uses HTML5 so it can be used on the iPad 2.  The presentation software I chose was Empressr and while it was somewhat difficult to publish the finished product I still enjoyed exploring it's features.