Enhance your students' learning by using technology in place of the typed research report. Encourage students to use spreadsheets to list data and create graphs. They can create pamphlets, newsletters, or newspapers by using simple word processing tools such as Microsoft Word or Claris Works. Importing graphics is a breeze when you use technology.
Spreadsheets have many functions both teachers and students can use. A spreadsheet makes recording and averaging grades a breeze! Simply enter your students' names, their grades, a formula into a cell and the spreadsheet will average for you!
Lessons that involve students analyzing lists, finding percentages and creating graphs can now be done on spreadsheets. Microsoft Excel is an easy-to-use spreadsheet program with many features that make even a beginner user seem like an expert.
Spreadsheet Web Sites
Use the internet to create a spreadsheet: http://www.indy.cc.ks.us/CompTech/aspreads.htm
Learn spreadsheet basics: http://forum.swarthmore.edu/sum95/math_and/spreadsheets/basic.html
Sir Isaac Newton will teach you more about spreadsheets: http://www.iconjohn.com/category/pubsher/al/alssin1.html
Word Processing goes well beyond typing text on a computer screen. Graphics,
tables and charts can easily be placed in the documents you create. Many
students already utilize those skills and teachers are in awe of their final
documents! Programs are available for computer users at all levels. Most
are user friendly and come with tutotials. So don't be afraid to try one!
Microsoft Word runs off of MS Windows but is also available separately
in PC and Mac versions. You can easily import graphics and clipart, and
create charts using MS Word to include in your text. Your students could
turn a simple creative writing assignment into a literary magazine by using
the column feature. Include a trip to the computer lab for your writing
assignments and utilize MS Word' s features!
Microsoft Works is a comprehensive software package used by many school districts. The package includes the word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. It is an easier program to use with the word processing program offering similar features as Microsoft Word. It runs mainly on a PC platform.
ClarisWorks, a comprehensive software package for Mac users, also contains the spreadsheet, database and word processing programs. Create fun and exciting graphics using the "Paint" tool. ClarisWorks is used by small businesses, educators and home users.
Appleworks 6 has replaced ClarisWorks as the most popular program for the Mac. It is a multifunctional program with six core
capabilities: word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, drawing
and painting.
http://www.apple.com/appleworks/
Word Processing Web Sites
These web sites have many educational ideas and lesson plans that
teachers can use in their classrooms everyday.
Use Claris Paint to create colorful mathematical tessellations: http://www.forum. swarthmore.edu/sum95/suzanne/cwtess.html
Brush-up on your word processing skills through the "on-line ed
center": http://www.cyberkeys.co.nz/cyber10.htm
Graphics can spice up any document and are becoming necessary features in well-designed research papers, Powerpoint and Hyperstudio presentations, and web pages. Colorful and appropriate graphics are plentiful in clip art software programs and on the Internet. Some of the web sites designed specifically for usable clip art are free; for others you must sign up and become a paying member. Better yet, one can save the graphic on any web site by simply holding and clicking on it. Many graphic resources are listed below; simply click on the graphic.
Image Paradise contains thousands of free clip art and animated graphics
ready for immediate use, as well as the URLs of other clip art sites.
http://desktoppublishing.com/cliplist.html
Looking for a list of great clip-art sites? Try the Clipart Directory!
You can find just about any graphic you may need in this directory!
http://www.clipart.com/
Barry's Clip Art Server has thousands of ready-to-use clip art and animated
clip art graphics organized by subject, which makes them easy to find.
http://www.barrysclipart.com/