Software Applications
Five specific software applications that every student should learn are:
#1. Word processor. I think is the most essential software tool for students because it enhances their writing skills through the thesauras which enriches vocabulary and spices up a paper, spell check which polishes the paper gramatically and a typed paper is much more professional looking and eligable than a writen paper. The word precessor should be taught at around grade 3 because it is at this age when students are starting to create pieces of writings and have the skill of reading and writing down good.
#2. Spreadsheets. I think that excel is an important software to be taught because it organizes data clearly. After organizing the data a student can go back and easily analyze and enter more data. With the data entered it can be made into a variety of different charts. Spreadsheets can used for a variety of different uses that will save the student lots of time. The skill of using excel should be taught at grade 3 or 4, whenever the student begins collecting data. It doesn’t need to be complex but a simple pie chart can show them a different way of looking at data.
#3. Powerpoint. This is a great professional and clear tool to present information. Powerpoint keeps the listeners attention, is fun to make and interactive. This skill should be taught at around grade 5 when students start to do presentations infront of the classroom. Also, at this age students should already know quite a bit about computers and be comfortable with the different softwares.
#4. Imaging software. With this skill under their belt students can enhance their powerpoint presentation along with a multitude of different things. With imaging software they can edit images which will add finishing touches to their projects or presentations. This skill should be taught at about grade 9 when students are going more indepth into specific subjects and are creating larger projects.
#5. Graphical organizers. Alot of times data and material are thrown at kids but with this skill they can organize it in a fun and interactive way. This skill is list last as far as importance becasue it can not be used for alot of different uses besides graphically organizing material. This skill should be taught at any age and low as Kindergarden because the program Kidspiration can be used which is specifically designed for kids.
