Week 6 Spreadsheets and Databases

8/12/2019 Week 6 Spreadsheets and Databases

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Part One

Overview

It is difficult for me to imagine what the world was like before the introduction of word

processing software. Yes, I learned to type on a manual typewriter and when I moved onto the IBM Selectric II, I thought it was so high tech. Since the early days ofmicrocomputers, word processing and spreadsheet programs have served as two of the

most basic components in the teachers technology toolkit (Robyler & Doering, 2013 ,

p. 114). Unfortunately, many assume spreadsheets are for mathematical applicationsonly. With this in mind, traditionally spreadsheets and databases have been primarily

incorporated into math lessons however they can be most useful in all subject areas.

Spreadsheet Uses

Spreadsheets are programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data

(Robyler & Doering, 2013, p. 122). The freedom to manipulate data allows the user tocreate spreadsheets designed for specific purposes. Unfortunately spreadsheets are used

primarily in mathematics and science, however with some creativity are useful in all

subject areas. Using spreadsheets in language arts provides yet another tool for teachers

and students alike. The following are examples of how to integrate language artsspreadsheets in the classroom.

VocabularyThe Look, Cover, Check activity provides students with drill and practice on weekly

spelling words. After inserting the weekly spelling words into the interactive Excelworksheet, the students will look at a word, cover the word, and then type the word in the

space provided. Once all of the words have been completed, the interactive Excel

worksheet will provide immediate feedback. This activity is easily scaffolded for

students of all spelling levels.


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Source: http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/nlshowto.shtml

Mad-Libs with ExcelMost children by the time they have entered the fourth grade have completed a mad lib.

A mad lib is a writing activity that has blanks where the students randomly fill in blanks.Focusing on parts of speech, the words usually consist of nouns, adjectives, & verbs. To

make the activity more challenging, students may be directed to use more specific parts

of speech such as: common nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, speech such

as: common nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, mad libs that may haveparts of speech like body part, or name of person in room.
http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/nlshowto.shtmlhttp://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/nlshowto.shtmlhttp://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/nlshowto.shtml


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Source: http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_non-mathematical_uses.html

Grammar Word ListThe Grammar Word List is one example of a sorting activity that is easily adaptabledepending on the subject matter being presented. After inserting the words and

definitions, randomly sort one of the columns, and then have the students match the term

with the definition. This is another activity, which can easily be adapted for all studentability levels.

Source: http://www.sbaran.net/excel/

Daily Journal Writing ActivityStudents should be provided authentic writing activities daily. At times this is difficult toachieve however using the Advanced Diary students will be able to not only have an

authentic experience but also have the opportunity to use technology in doing so.
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_non-mathematical_uses.htmlhttp://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_non-mathematical_uses.htmlhttp://www.sbaran.net/excel/http://www.sbaran.net/excel/http://www.sbaran.net/excel/http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_non-mathematical_uses.html


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Source: http://advanced-diary.software.informer.com/

Part Two

Much of todays focus in education seems to be on STEM subjects, science, technology,

engineering, and math. Without a solid foundation in language arts, these subjects will

be difficult. Language skills, which include reading, writing, listening, and speaking,continue to develop throughout life. Schoolchildren are developing all of their language

skills simultaneously. Expanded classroom experiences enhance this development (Roe,2010).

Writing involves communicating with others through the printed word or recording

ideas for yourself. It is classified as an expressive skill and a written language skill(Roe, 2010). Developing good writing habits takes time and practice. Students must be

able to recognize and identify the parts of speech. Teaching grammar may sound old

fashioned. People associate grammar with errors and correctness. But knowing aboutgrammar also helps us understand what makes sentences and paragraphs clear and

interesting and precise (Nordquist, 2014). Understanding the parts of speech is one way

for students to develop a solid foundation in basic sentence structure. Students must

demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage whenwriting or speaking.
http://advanced-diary.software.informer.com/http://advanced-diary.software.informer.com/http://advanced-diary.software.informer.com/


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Grammar in the 4th

Grade

Introduction

Upon completion of the following exercise students in the fourth grade will be able to

complete sentences by selecting the correct word and identify what part of speech theword is associated with in the context of the sentence. Students will complete this

activity as a supplemental exercise for lessons taught in class.

Common Core Standards

L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammarand usage when writing or speaking.

L.4.1.gCorrectly use frequently confused words (e.g., to, too, two; there, their). L.4.2.1 Use correct capitalization.

Objectives

Students will practice identifying parts of speech. Students will select the complete sentences using the correct tense. Students will demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English

grammar and usage.

Students will correctly use frequently confused words. Students will use correct capitalization.

Data

As a whole group, the students will each draft four sentences using proper grammar,capitalization, and punctuation. Columns A-E will be labeled Sentence, Select the Correct

Word, Answer, Select the Part of Speech, Answer respectively. Students will use theData Validation option to display possible answer choices.

References:

Nordquist, R. (2014). Why does grammar matter? Retrieved fromhttp://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/

Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology Into

Teaching, (6thed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.

Roe, B.D. (2010). The language arts. Retrieved from

http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/

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Week 6 Spreadsheets and Databases