Blog 2

The website http://www.microsoft.com/education/CreateTimeline.aspx has excellent ideas for implementing spreadsheets and databases in the classroom.  The website also contains an instructional video on how to create a timeline using Excel.  This website really surprised me because I had no idea that a timeline could be created using an Excel spreadsheet.  I can imagine that this would be extremely helpful for history teachers, but I could also integrate the use of a timeline as a visual representation for important dates involved in my class.  Many students have problems with visualizing when their tests are and how far apart each test date is.  Implementing a timeline that is rather simple to create will allow my students to see how soon or how far away their next test or assignment due dates really are.

I use spreadsheets on a daily basis.  I work at an elementary school as an AmeriCorps worker.  Two weeks ago I was in charge of the annual food drive.  The two classes that brought in the most ounces of food won a pizza party.  We also had a King, Queen, Prince, and Princess of the food drive.  So I had to keep track of the ounces every student donated.  This sounds like a lot of work, but since I used Excel, it was pretty simple.  I had a spreadsheet to keep up with the totals of the classes and then the totals of each individual student.

I also used Excel as a way to track my grades in college.  Each semester, I had my own grade book for myself.  I never had to worry about asking my professors what my grade currently was.  I could also set up a “what if” situation to figure out what I needed to make on the next exam or assignment, in order to get a specific overall grade for the class.  When I become a teacher, I plan on having my students create their own grade book on Excel. This way they will be able to track their grades and also have continuous training in using spreadsheets.  This will also cut down the pesky question of “Miss. Cooper, what’s my grade?”

I have not used databases since I was taught how to use databases.  After reading how useful databases can be in our text, I realize that I am really missing out.  Four years ago I was able to maneuver Microsoft Access with ease, though I am afraid that will no longer be the case.  One of the hardest things about teaching others is re-teaching yourself the material that was forgotten along the way.  Hopefully, I will be able to regain what I have forgotten and be able to implement databases in my classroom.