Week 5, Ch. 5 & 6, Question 1

What is productivity software? How can it be adapted to benefit teaching and learning? What are the advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets? How do you see them as a benefit in an educational environment?

Productivity software is typically generic business-application software that educators can use and adapt for the administrative and professional tasks they must address. The four major types of productivity software found in most business environments are word processors, electronic spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation software. This software is easy to use, with each application performing a specific function for the user.

Productivity software can be adapted to benefit teaching and learning in a sense that they enable educators to do their jobs more effectively productively. Some examples of how this software can be used are listed below.
- Word Processing: transparencies used for lecture, activity sheets, posters, study guides, and class notes are a few of the things that can be produced through word processing.

- Electronic Spreadsheets: Provide students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; support student research such as tracking stock market data

- Database Management Systems: Organize and provide easy access to lists of academic resources or extract and report targeted summaries of content or resources to address student needs

- Presentation Software: Class lecture support, audio and visual elements with special effects; produce transparency masters; create student worksheets to accompany class lectures

The advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets include: Providing students with a method for tracking and analyzing data and creating charts from it; it can also be used to support student research such as tracking stock market data.

I see productivity software as an advantage in the educational environment because it makes research more accessible. This type of software also enables people to be able to finish projects more quickly and exact than they would if this software was not available. I have used this type of software ever since I can remember doing homework and projects. It makes researching and putting together work or a project so much easier.