Word processing spreadsheet and database programs

Presentation on theme: «Using Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database Software»— Presentation transcript:

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Using Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database Software
Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching

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General Word Processing Features and Capabilities
Storing documents for later use. Erasing and inserting text. Searching and replacing text. Moving or copying text. Inserting carriage returns — word wraparound. Changing the style and appearance of text easily. Justifying text on both margins. Creating headers, footers, and numbering pages — pagination.

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General Word Processing Features and Capabilities (cont.)
Inserting text prepared on other word processors. Checking and correcting spelling. Suggesting words. Reviewing style and grammar. Allowing the insertion of graphics. Merging text with database files.

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Advantages of Word Processing for Education
Saving time. Creating professional looking documents. Sharing text among multiple users.

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Benefits of Word Processing: Findings from Research
Do students write better with word processing? ‘It depends’ (IETIT p131) Generally, studies seem to suggest that students who are using word processing are improving their writing and their attitude toward writing only if it is used in the context of good writing instruction and if students have enough time to learn word processing features. Teachers should not expect their student’s writing quality to improve automatically if the teachers use word processing software with their students.

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Applying Word Processing in Various Instructional Ways
Writing processes. Students can write, edit, and illustrate stories by using word processing. Dynamic group products. A group of students can write a poem or letter together, adding and changing lines anytime. Individual language, writing, and reading exercises. Encouraging writing across the curriculum.

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Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Word Processing
Forgetting to move the cursor before typing. Forgetting to highlight before changing a format. ‘Losing’ part of the document. Forgetting automatic wraparound at the end of lines.

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Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Word Processing
Problems naming and saving files. Incorrect spacing at the top or bottom of the document. —Loading paper in the printer. —Extra lines in the document. Problems searching and replacing text.

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Spreadsheet Software in Teaching and Learning
Spreadsheet are also called worksheets. Spreadsheets were the earliest application software available for microcomputers. A spreadsheet program can be a stand alone package or it can be part of an integrated package such as Microsoft Works. Teachers use spreadsheets in gradebooks or gradekeeping packages to store and calculate grades.

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Spreadsheet Features and Capabilities
Calculations and comparisons. Spreadsheets can calculate and manipulate stored numbers in lots of ways by using different formulas. Automatic recalculation. Copying cells.

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Spreadsheet Features and Capabilities
Placing information in column-row formats for easy reading and interpretation. Creating graphs that correspond to data. Using worksheets prepared with other programs.

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Advantages of Spreadsheets
Time savings. Creating charts. Answering “what if” questions. Motivation.

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Teacher Productivity — Applications of Spreadsheets
Gradekeeping. Club and/or classroom budgets. Computerized checkbooks for clubs or other organizations.

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Teacher Productivity — Applications of Spreadsheets
Attendance charts. Performance assessment checklist. Class inventory.

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Teaching and Learning Activities — Applications of Spreadsheets
Demonstrations. Student products. Problem solving activities. Storing and analyzing data. Projecting grades.

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Common Mistakes and Misconceptions Learning Spreadsheets
Forgetting to highlight cells to be formatted. Difficulty developing formulas and using predefined functions.

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Database Defined Allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information, including text and numerical data. Allow the user to locate information through key word searches. “ People often use the term database to refer both to the computer program and the product it creates. However, database products are also sometimes called files.

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Types of Database Programs and Products
Single application: dBase, Microsoft Word Integrated package: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Database software: dBase, Microsoft Works Prepared database: ERIC on Disc or online

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Types of Database Programs and Products
Flat filing system: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Relational filing system: dBase, Fox Pro, Oracle Non-programmable systems: ClarisWorks, Microsoft Works Programmable DBMS systems: dBase, Fox Pro, Oracle

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General Database Features and Capabilities
Allowing changes to information. Sorting information alphabetically or numerically. Searching for information. Creating & Retrieving reports or summaries of information. Merging with word processing documents.

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Advantages of Databases
Reducing data redundancy and error. Saving time locating and/or updating information. Allowing comparisons of information through queries. Rapid information retrieval.

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Issues Related to Databases
Privacy Act of 1974 The Act also limits the kind of information that can be kept on citizens, and requires that people be told what information the government keeps on them. Teachers must recognize their responsibility to safeguard student information and protect it from unauthorized access. Teachers have to keep disks in secure places, make sure passwords remain secret, and delete information at the request of parents or students.

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Teacher Productivity — Database Software
Teachers may use databases to help them prepare classroom materials and other tasks they would otherwise have to do by hand or couldn’t do at all. Inventorying and locating instructional resources. Using information on students to plan instruction and enhance motivation. Using information on students to respond to questions or perform required tasks.

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Teaching and Learning Activities — Database Software
Teaching research and study skills. Teaching organization skills. Understanding the power of information “pictures.” Posing and testing hypotheses.

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Common Mistakes and Misconceptions when Learning Databases
Confusing spreadsheet and database features. Difficulties with keyword searches. Decisions about which fields to include.

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The End

Introduction

Why Use Software Tools?

• Improved Productivity
• Improved Appearance
• Improved Accuracy

The “Basic Three”

Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database Programs

Recent Developments in Software Tools

• Web-based software tools
• Open-source software
• PDA tools
• Web-enabled features
• Better file-exchange compatibility
• Software suites and integrated packages

Using Word Processing Software in Teaching and Learning

Word processing programs allow people to produce typed documents on a computer screen.

The Impact of Word Processing in Education

Why Teachers Use Word Processing

• Saves time
• Enhances document appearance
• allows sharing of documents
• allows collaboration of documents

Research in the Impact of Word Processing

• mixed results
• best if used in the context of good instruction and prior word processing skills

Issues in Using Word Processing

• When should students start word processing?
• Is it necessary to teach keyboarding skills?
• What effects does word processing have on hand-writing?
• What impact does word processing have on assessment?

Word Processing in the Classroom: Productivity and Teaching Strategies

Productivity Strategies

• prepare instructional materials, lesson plans, notes, reports, letters, etc.
• save documents as template to update and reuse

Instructional Integration Strategies for Word Processing

• supporting the learning of writing processes
• using a dynamic group product approach
• assigning individual language, writing, and reading exercises
• encouraging writing through the curriculum

Teaching Word Processing Skills: Recommended Skills and Activities

Suggested Steps for Introducing Word Processing to Students

1. Prepare for teaching
2. Demonstrate the basics
3. Assign individual practice
4. Demonstrate formatting features
5. Assign more individual practice
6. Demonstrate procedures with new files

Using Spreadsheet Software in Teaching and Learning

Spreadsheets are programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data.

The Impact of Spreadsheets in Education

Why Teachers Use Spreadsheets

• Save time
• Organize displays of information
• Support asking “what if” questions
• Increase motivation to work with mathematics

Research on the Impact of Spreadsheet Use

• Spreadsheets widely believed to help students visualize numerical concepts
• few studies

Issues in Using Spreadsheets

• Use spreadsheets to keep grades or rely on grade-keeping software

Spreadsheets in the Classroom: Productivity and Teaching Strategies

Productivity Strategies

• prepare classroom materials
• complete calculations

Instructional Integration Strategies for Spreadsheets

• Making possible teaching demonstrations
• Supporting student products
• Supporting mathematical problem solving
• Storing and analyzing data
• Projecting grades

Teaching Spreadsheet Skills: Recommended Skills and Activities

Suggested Steps for Introducing Spreadsheets to Students

1. Prepare for teaching
2. Demonstrate the basics
3. Assign individual practice
4. Demonstrate formatting features
5. Assign more individual practice

Using Database Software in Teaching and Learning

Databases are computer programs that allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information, including both text and numerical data.

The Impact of Databases in Educaton

Why Teachers Use Databases

• Reducing data redundancy
• Saving time and/or updating information
• Allowing comparisons of information through searches across files
• Helping reveal relationships among data

Research on the Instructional Uses of Databases

• students can acquire useful skills in searching for and using information
• students need guidance in asking relevant questions and analyzing results
• useful in teaching inquiry and problem-solving skills
• may increase quality of internet use

Issues in Using Databases

• Simplified access versus privacy
• Coping with information overload

Databases in the Classroom: Productivity and teaching Strategies

Productivity Strategies

• Inventorying and locating instructional resources
• Data mining for planning and reporting
• Sending personalized letters to parents and others

Instructional Integration Strategies for Databases

• Teaching research and study skills
• Teaching organization skills
• Understanding the power of information “pictures”
• Posing and testing hypotheses
• Searching for information during research

Teaching Database Skills: Recommended Skills and Activities

Suggested Steps for Introducing Database Programs to Students

1. Prepare for teaching
2. Demonstrate the basics
3. Assign individual practice
4. Demonstrate database creation and use
5. Assign more individual practice

A Summary of Software Tool Integration Strategies

• Software tools address productivity and instructional needs
• reduce labor involved in preparing student products
• remove logistical barriers to learning

Pirillo & Fitz. (2007).  Notepad [Image], Retrieved Sept. 25, 2011, from http://checkengineusa.com/dennislembree/blog/media/runs_notepad_fast.gif

Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A. (2010).  Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (5th Ed.).  Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

When you sit in on a virtual conference or when your boss starts firing off their favorite productivity tips, what do you do? You open a digital document and take notes. 📝

…probably with the same word processing software you’ve used since the ninth grade. 👀

Word processing software isn’t what it used to be—it’s better.

These tools have evolved beyond the boring blank screens we felt forced to use. Now, word processing can actually be fun!

Rich text editing, dynamic formatting, intuitive writing assistance, and collaboration features are some of the greatest benefits to using top word processing software. But the best part? It’s also incredibly affordable.

Follow along as we dive into every must-have word-processing feature and the 10 best word-processing software for every team, writing style, and use case! Complete with detailed feature comparisons, pros and cons, pricing, ratings, and more!

What is a Word Processing Software?

Word processing software is an application used to capture, format, and edit any form of writing—whether it be your general thoughts, meeting notes, SOPs, or email drafts. Your mind may immediately go to typewriters, but the benefits of word-processing software extend much further than that.

Thanks to the modern development of project management software, collaboration tools, and intuitive design, word processing software can do more than you ever thought possible! You can edit one document alongside your peers, arrange documents by category, share them via simple links, and flex your creativity with rich formatting. And these days, that’s just the bare minimum!

The thing is, there are a ton of word processing software to choose from these days.

In fact, we’d bet our bottom dollar that you can think of a few off the top of your head as we speak! You might even have a top three!

But with the number of new, flexible, and exciting features being added to word processing tools each day, it’s important to know what to look for in your go-to software in order to best serve your use case and to get the most bang for your buck.

What Should You Look for in Word Processing Software?

All this talk about advanced features makes you wonder—what does this functionality actually look like?

You don’t have to settle for the basic features we grew up struggling with. You also don’t have to fork over an arm and a leg to access powerful software that can take your documents so much further!

Here is a list of our favorite, must-have features to look for in your next word-processing software:

• Ease of use: Make sure your software is easy to learn, share with others, and efficiently supports your most-used functions
• Cloud-based and a reliable offline mode: Things happen! You might lose your wifi connection, need to switch devices, or be asked to share your documents on the spot. Cloud-based software and offline functionality ensure these hurdles won’t pose any real problem
• Collaboration features: These features make it possible for you to edit and develop documents in real-time with the team! With clarity and without overlap. And consider it a bonus if you can also tag your team or comment on your text
• Custom permissions and sharing: Especially if you often work with stakeholders, clients, or other departments, it’s important to have the ability to choose who can edit, view, or give access to your work
• Version history: This is your way of keeping a digital paper trail. Plus, if you make a mistake, you’ll have the power to go back and restore your text
• Integrations: The more integrations, the more information you can pull into your documents! Plus, it goes both ways, multiple integrations with your chosen word processing software means you can also access your documents from virtually anywhere and from any other tool

The 10 Best Word-Processing Software

There’s no reason why your word-processing software can’t be exciting, dynamic, or collaborative.

Digital editors and document sharing have come a long way in the past decade and we have tons of software to show for that growth! The challenge then becomes finding a tool that’s tailored to your unique needs and aligns with your work style.

So what do you do? You refer back to this list!

We’ve researched and tested the best word-processing software to bring you 10 of our favorites based on their best features, limitations, pricing, ratings, and more!

1. ClickUp

ClickUp is the ultimate all-in-one productivity tool for teams across industries to centralize their work into one collaborative platform. ClickUp is known for its rich set of fully customizable features, including a built-in document editor to create everything from simple to-do lists to detailed wikis, then connect them directly to your workflow.

With the ability to convert text into actionable tasks, embed data from virtually any other work tool, and collaborate on documents in real-time, ClickUp Docs is the ideal word processing tool for teams, students, and enterprise companies alike.

ClickUp best features

• Advanced word processing and work management features across every pricing plan, even Free Forever
• Embed media, tables, bookmarks, and even other documents into ClickUp Docs to bring more context and value into your roadmaps and knowledge bases
• Live detection in ClickUp Docs lets teams edit, contribute, and comment on the same document in real-time
• Link Docs to tasks and add widgets to automatically update workflows from your document editor
• Turn highlighted text into action items and delegate them to the team with threaded comments and @mentions
• Hundreds of templates for any use case, including several created specifically for ClickUp Docs
• Easy and secure sharing via URL for any guest, collaborator, or even public access
• Over 1,000 integrations to embed work into ClickUp Docs from virtually anywhere
• Nested pages and styling options to create visual hierarchies within every Doc

ClickUp cons

• There can be a bit of an adjustment period learning all of ClickUp’s advanced features
• Some views are not yet offered on the mobile app

ClickUp pricing

• Free Forever
• Unlimited: $5 per user, per month
• Business: $12 per user, per month
• Business Plus: $19 per user, per month
• Enterprise: Contact ClickUp for custom pricing

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (5,680+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,540+ reviews)

2. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a powerful word processor for anyone to create Word documents, spreadsheets, emails, and more. It’s part of the Microsoft Office Suite, which makes it easy to integrate with other Microsoft products like Excel and PowerPoint.

Word offers various features to help you stay organized, such as template options for different types of formal documents and advanced editing tools. You can add images, tables, charts, hyperlinks, and other media to enhance the look of your MS Word documents. The program also provides many features to help make creating documents more efficient, such as a spellchecker, auto-corrector, and thesaurus. 

Microsoft Word best features

• OneDrive storage to save and access documents from anywhere
• Real-time collaboration to share and edit with others
• Spelling and grammar checker
• Mobile app

Microsoft Word limitations

• Functions on the toolbar are different from version to version
• Many features of Word forms don’t transfer and cause the format to break when printing documents

Microsoft Word pricing

• Microsoft Word is available as a standalone version for $159.99 or with a Microsoft 365 subscription

Microsoft Word ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews)
• G2: 4.7/5 (1,000+ reviews)

3. Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word processor that makes it easy to create and edit professional documents. With real-time collaboration tools, Google Docs provides a platform for groups of people to collaborate on a single project, ensuring that everyone stays up-to-date with the document’s progress. Features like templated and automated formatting are also available to make your document look professional. 

With Google Docs, users can track changes, comments, and suggestions as they make revisions and edits. All of the documents you create in Google Docs are automatically saved in the cloud, so you can access them from any device at any time. So whether you’re on your desktop or mobile device, you can continue working!

Google Docs best features

• @Mentions to pull relevant people, files, and events
• Smart Compose helps you write faster with fewer errors
• Third-party applications with project management tools
• Comment replies from Gmail 

Google Docs limitations

• Limitations on document sizes
• Not suitable as a scalable knowledge base system 

Google Docs pricing

• Google Docs is free with a Google account

Google Docs ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (27,000+ reviews)
• G2: N/A

4. Grammarly

Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant. It helps you identify and fix grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other writing errors quickly. Grammarly offers suggestions while you’re using desktop apps or websites, including Gmail, ClickUp, LinkedIn, Google Docs, and more!

With Grammarly, you get feedback on your writing in real-time so you can improve it instantly. Plus, with its deep understanding of grammar topics and linguistics, you can trust your next report or project will be polished and professional. Grammarly makes it easy to focus on what’s important—creating strong, compelling content.

Discover the top content collaboration software!

Grammarly best features

• Style Guide to capture voice and style for consistent documents
• Text snippets to insert sentences and paragraphs in all workflows
• Tone Detector for effective communication
• In-app editor to upload documents

Grammarly limitations

• Doesn’t work for all apps and websites
• Expensive monthly subscriptions

Grammarly pricing

• Free plan
• Premium: $12/month
• Business: $15/member per month

Grammarly ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (6,000+ reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 (1,200+ reviews)

5. WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive office suite that provides you with the tools and features necessary to manage all your documents, files, and presentations efficiently. It supports popular file formats and is compatible with PC and mobile devices. With WPS Office, users can create and edit text documents, spreadsheets, and slide shows in an intuitive and user-friendly interface. 

It also includes powerful document management tools such as colorful themes, annotation, split PDF documents, and file format conversion. The software also has advanced collaboration capabilities that allow multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously. 

WPS Office best features

• 100,000+ templates organized by categories
• Multiple language support
• Text extraction 
• Watermark creation

WPS Office limitations

• Limited ability to handle different work styles and preferences
• A free plan is not available 

WPS Office pricing

• WPS Premium: $18.99 for 6 months or $29.99 for 1 year
• WPS Business (WPS Cloud Pro): Starts at $5.99/user per month

WPS Office ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,200+ reviews)
• G2: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)

6. Dropbox Paper

Dropbox Paper offers a simple way to start a project. The drag–and–drop feature allows users to break down complex tasks into easily manageable chunks. By inviting teammates to collaborate on projects, everyone can contribute to the conversation, comment on each other’s work, and brainstorm in real-time. 

The Master Doc feature allows anyone to create a hub for other docs. For complex or long-term projects, organizing documents from the start will boost productivity. It provides you with an efficient way to access and manage all the related documents by creating links to them. You don’t need to spend extra time searching for files. Search or navigate within the master document!

Dropbox Paper best features

• Search bar to find  publicly viewable docs associated with a team member’s email address
• Keyboard shortcuts to highlight specific text
• Custom templates to standard forms
• Auto-generated table of contents

Dropbox Paper limitations

• Limitations on file upload sizes in a Dropbox account
• Basic users can only be signed into three devices at a time

Dropbox Paper pricing

• Plus: $9.99/month for 1 user
• Family: $16.99/family per month for up to 6 users
• Professional: $16.58/month for 1 user
• Standard: $15/user per month for 3+ users
• Advanced: $24/user per month for 3+ users
• Enterprise: Contact Dropbox for pricing 

Dropbox Paper ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
• G2: 4.1/5 (4,400+ reviews)

7. Notion

Notion is a document-based workspace for your notes, tasks, documents, and databases. It’s a versatile tool as a word processor to track any information, from project milestones and task reminders to travel plans and personal ideas. 

Notion’s operating system makes it easy to organize whatever you need to keep track of. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly set up custom workspaces tailored to whatever type of project or goal. Plus, Notion allows you to link between different databases and notes, create checklists, embed media, and more.

Check out the best Notion alternatives!

Notion best features

• iOS, Windows, web browser, MacOS platforms
• Calendar, Kanban boards, lists, and gallery views
• Real-time collaboration
• Bidirectional linking

Notion limitations

• Pricey premium plans compared to other word processors on this list
• Limited project and task management features

Notion pricing

• Free plan
• Plus: $8/user per month, billed annually
• Business: $15/user per month, billed annually
• Enterprise: Contact Notion for pricing 

Notion ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,100+ reviews)
• G2: 4.6/5 (1,000+ reviews)

8. Coda

Coda is a powerful document editor for creating and managing content. With Coda, you can create documents from scratch, edit existing ones, track changes, collaborate with others in real-time, and share them securely. The editor provides a range of tools to help you write fluently and quickly—including text formatting, image editing, tables, and hyperlinks. 

Coda also comes with built-in collaboration features, so you can invite people to join in on projects and discuss changes easily. With its easy-to-use interface and intuitive tools, Coda is a word processor solution for anyone looking to build professional documents!

Coda best features

• Building blocks to upgrade documents into boards
• Dashboards to view connected data
• Google Calendar and Slack integrations
• Drag-and-drop basic templates

Coda limitations

• Not scalable as a document database compared to other word processors
• Limited integrations with other apps 

Coda pricing

• Free plan
• Pro: $10/month per Doc Maker, billed annually
• Team: $30/month per Doc Maker, billed annually
• Enterprise: Contact Coda for pricing 

Coda ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.6/5 (40+ reviews)
• G2: 4.7/5 (300+ reviews)

Bonus: Compare Coda Vs. Airtable

9. Evernote

Evernote is an online note-taking application to help you be more productive and organized. With Evernote, you can store anything from text-based notes to images, videos, and audio recordings. You can even add reminders and read web pages offline. Evernote is available for various platforms, including mobile devices. Plus, it has a Web Clipper browser extension!

No matter what type of project you’re working on, Evernote makes managing the details easier. Whether it’s brainstorming new content ideas or planning a business meeting, Evernote gives you the freedom to capture, organize and sync all your information. With features like searchable tags and categories, you’ll have the tools to find what you need, when you need it.

Connect Evernote and ClickUp to manage your notes in one place!

Evernote best features

• Calendar view to connect schedules and notes
• Document scanner to go paperless
• Due dates and reminders functionality
• Google Calendar integration

Evernote limitations

• Limited number of saved templates on all plans
• Evernote Teams account has a shared 30 GB of uploads per month

Evernote pricing

• Free plan
• Personal: $6.67/month, billed annually
• Professional: $9.17/month, billed annually
• Teams: $14.99/month per user

Evernote ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.4/5 (7,700+ reviews)
• G2: 4.4/5 (1,900+ reviews)

10. LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free open source office suite designed to make completing everyday tasks easier. It’s an open-source product, meaning that it’s free and available to all users. LibreOffice includes programs for word processing, presentation building, spreadsheet editing, database manipulation, formula editing, drawing, and more. 

Together these tools provide an intuitive user experience and help individuals create their best work. With LibreOffice, you can develop financial reports, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. If you want more functionality, extensions are available through the LibreOffice repository. 

LibreOffice best features

• Formula editor to insert mathematical and scientific formulas
• LanguageTool APIs for grammar checking
• OpenDocument Format (ODF) extensions
• Custom templates 

LibreOffice limitations

• Outdated interface compared to other free word processing programs
• Not scalable as a long-term document database 

LibreOffice pricing

• LibreOffice is free

LibreOffice ratings and reviews

• Capterra: 4.3/5 (1,600+ reviews)
• G2: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews)

ClickUp—More Than the Average Word Processor

It’s time to ask for more from your word processing software, ClickUp Docs will show you how. 🙂

Edit with the team, turn your thoughts into actionable tasks, and connect your documents directly to your workflow, all without leaving your editor! No other word processor can enhance the value of your documents like ClickUp can. But the best part? ClickUp does it all for free.

Access ClickUp Docs, unlimited tasks, tons of templates and resources, more than 1,000 integrations, and so much more when you sign up for ClickUp today.

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