Database & Spreadsheet application to education

How do I use Database?

Frankly speaking, I never used database before. After today’s class, I find it very practical and useful though it’s kind of difficult for me. In the future, I consider I will use it to manage and organize students’ data. Besides, I will use it to record everything which is hard for me to memorize and organize. With the analyzing tools from Database application, I will be able to run the reports for the data stored in the database – report such as students ‘grade summary, average, and etc. I believe it will help me a lot on my school job.







How do my students use Database?

Students in Taiwan don’t learn Database in computer class in junior high. The software they usually use to do for their homework is word processor. Taiwanese students work very hard on schoolwork, and after school, they go to cram school to learn math, Chinese composition and English. I don’t think the students will spend their extra time learning Database that schoolmasters don’t teach, because most of them study for the tests, not for fun or enhancing their ability as well as technological skills for daily life.







What else would I like to do with DB - think in terms of student tools/assessment as well as teacher productivity.

Database is like a storehouse where can store many things. Even though those data are disordered or redundant, Database can make them well-organized and easy to be retrieved. For example, I will be able to input all of my student data (contact information, grades, etc) and course data (lecture notes, syllabus, exam, etc) in the database. This will help me to organizing my students’ information and teaching materials more efficiently and effectively. As for students, they can enter a collection of information on a subject, such as peoples, transportations, birthplaces, etc., and then use Database to reorganize, or to retrieve the information they need.







How do I use Spreadsheets?

I use Spreadsheets to calculate students’ grades, set up schedules, develop financial forms for statistics. In fact, I don’t use Spreadsheet deal with school stuff very often. Not that I love Spreadsheet less, but that I love Word Processors more. The main reason is that I am more familiar with word processing. However, I am willing to learn more skills about Spreadsheets in the near future to enable myself to deal with problems more effectively.







How do my students use Spreadsheets?

They use Spreadsheets to deal with arithmetic problems, to design charts, to create an address book, to record their favorite idols’ data, to set up schedules, etc. It’s useful for them to apply Spreadsheet to schoolwork and everyday life.






What else would I like to do with SS - think in terms of student tools/assessment as well as teacher productivity.

Microsoft Office Excel 2007 has a new function to turn data to elegant charts easily. If students or I need to present something with charts, we can use the software to make the charts with better superficial validity. Spreadsheet can be used to design charts for playing games or doing activities. Spreadsheet is also a good tool for home economic teachers to teach students how to record daily expenses and revenues in order to avoid making an overdraft. Last but not least, teachers can use spreadsheet to rank their students according to their grades or whatever could be ranked.