SpreadSheets

     I have used spreadsheets in the past, but for small and not very in-depth worksheets.  I have never really used the formulas, or went much past using a budget.  The closest I have come to using  formula is the AutoSum button.
    I have created graphs from Excel, but that is really the only program I have ever used to create spreadsheets.  This came in handy pretty much for my technology classes in college and high school.  I have not, since then, ever used that function or knowledge.  It was done purely out of the need to complete the assignment.
    The mind trick that is played with the spreadsheet we had to manipulate and find the formula was actually a lot harder than I thought It would be.  It seemed to be much like a suduko puzzle, which it is.  It was just harder than the usual as there are sums to the columns and rows.
    The receipt formula was another challenge for me.  The idea of changing one number to make the other amounts change was hard, but way cool.  That way of cooking would be so easy!!!!  I would love a computer program that would have all the cooking amounts on formulas so I could simply put in the number of people who will be eating and then it will tell me how much to use of each ingredient.
    With these spreadsheets there really is a use for them, outside of class assignments.  Once a person is able to put in the formulas so they work, the possibilities are endless!  It just takes a bit of time to learn how the programming works.  Trial and error is a great way to learn.  

The Internet: Web Searching and Word Processing

     I have used the Internet for years now I have fallen into the trap of using many of the same pages year after year.  With having to look over various search engines and the new to me online word processing, my eyes were opened.
     In looking at different search engines it took me a bit to get away from my ever easy Yahoo.  Yahoo was easy as it did not take me much to get to every thing I need.  Yahoo tells me the news stories, weather, Email, and search.  I can shop, image/video search, get maps and directions all on the page I have set for my homepage.  What I did discover in looking at Bing was a page that is really designed to search.  There is not much else to the page than what is needed to search.  There is no trying to focus your eyes or find where that little search bar is.
     I also took a look over a few of the various online word processing sites.  I can say I have never used this type of technology before, but I love it!  My favorite part is the collaboration that is possible and at even a distance between users.  It does not matter where the collaborators are long as they have the net.  This also cuts down on the emails sent back and forth attachments and downloads.  There is so much that can be done with this online word processing that I can see a decline in the need for the installed software.  I do wish however that there were more to the formatting tools of the online processing.  I would not imagine it would take much more to add some of the tools that are in the software driven programs.
    Overall the Internet is extensive, seemingly endless.  There is not much that is not on the web now and each day there is much more coming.  I look forward to seeing what is next and making sure that I keep up-to-date with the technologies and not sticking with the easy close pages.

A New Class with New Objectives

    Using Productivity Tools Effectively is class that I am excited to get into.  The course overview previews what we will be examining in the future weeks and this peaks my interest.  
    The first week we have dealt with presentations and graphics.  Both types of programs that I have already used in my classroom.  The activities assignments lists several options for the graphics as well as the presentations.  Knowing that there are so many options out there that are almost limitless opens an arsenal for teachers that is unmatched.  The major key for this list as a teacher is that there is a "free" option to use these programs.  With a simple email address and user name, anyone can use this type of program.  
    I chose to go with the graphics program called MagMyPic.  This program puts any picture you choose onto a magazine cover of your choice.  I chose to make one for myself, an outdoors theme.  I chose to make a second cover that was one I have already used with my classroom.  I have a star student of the week, called-Theine's Pines.   I am upload the students picture to the magazine cover and can post it in my room for a display.  When the week is over, I am can send it home for the parents/guardians to enjoy as well.  The nice part is that I can also put it to my webpage for the class.  This way all who wish can be up-to-date with my classroom happenings.
    I am excited about this class as I feel the knowledge we will gain will be practical, readings meaningful, and work will be relevant.  I have seen these three key qualities in the first week alone.  This class has more to come and I am sure that it will prove to be one of the most useful and relevant for the first few months.