Lesson Two

While one might think that databases and spreadsheets are only applicable in the math classroom, that is not the case. Teachers can use spreadsheets in a variety of ways. An online search can provide a plethora of ideas for every imaginable subject area from social studies to language arts. Of course, not every activity encountered on the internet is a valid use of databases or spreadsheets. I was surprised to find that some social studies activities that claimed to be "spreadsheets" were simply charts with information entered into them that had no comparative or numerical data. On the opposite end, more toward the "good" spectrum, was an activity I found on analyzing birth rates, found here. This site features a social studies spreadsheet used correctly.

At the Center for Technology and Teaching website the birth rate lesson plan walks the students through entering data step by step using Excel software. The steps indicate the website from which the data can be found, how to enter it into columns and how values can be entered as percents. Not only does it explain these basics, but shows how to take the data and display it graphically as a scatter plot, followed by opportunities to make predictions for the future. Extensions are also available for students who may need additional challenge. I look forward to using this lesson in my classroom!

Upon reflection, I have discovered that I often use databases as an educator--though not those of my own design. Our gradebook program, Infinite Campus, is a highly useful database search-able by many functions. In addition to the gradebook, I also use the reports generated by Teenbiz to compare and analyze student achievement. Reports deliver weekly information about progress toward state standards, improvement over time on multiple choice activities, and periodic measurement using the summative levelset. In addition, the database predicts how students will fare on the KCCT assessment. Contrary to my former belief that I don't use databases in my classroom, I actually use them on a daily basis. For the future, I look forward to designing some engaging activities that students can use!