Administrative Software

1. Administrative Software Teaching and Learning with Technology Chapter 5 Allyn and Bacon 2002

2. Types of Software • Academic Software – Software used specifically for teaching and learning • Administrative software – Software used to perform professional tasks that may also be adapted for instructional use • Software may be commercial “off the shelf”, custom created, freeware (freely distributed via the Net) or shareware (sharable but with a small fee for continued use) Allyn and Bacon 2002

3. Software Acquisition • In addition to the actual cost of the software, other costs may be associated with its acquisition • Costs to upgrade machines to run the software • Costs to install and maintain the software • Costs of time and labor to learn to use the software and input data into it • It is important to carefully review software before selecting it to minimize costs Allyn and Bacon 2002

4. Productivity Software • Software that assists in completing tasks • Usually includes • Word processing • Spreadsheets • Data Base Management • Presentation Software • Can be purchased individually or in a suite of bundled software (eg. Office XP) Allyn and Bacon 2002

5. Productivity Software • School districts often purchase site licenses that allow them to use the acquired software on all machines in the district • Typically, productivity software is offered to teachers and staff via a school network • Teachers often adapt and use productivity software for educational purposes Allyn and Bacon 2002

6. Word Processing • Most commonly used computer software • In addition to entering, editing, and printing, word processors can • Spell and grammar check • Enhance the appearance of text • Add graphic and word art images • Arrange layout of text and graphic elements • Add elements from other software • Offer choices of layout styles Allyn and Bacon 2002

7. Word Processing • Includes desktop publishing capabilities to manipulate the layout of text and other graphic objects on a page • Desktop publishing capabilities include • WHYSIWYG displays • Addition and manipulation of graphics • Table and column features • Auto-formatting Allyn and Bacon 2002

8. Word Processing • All word processors archive (save) and print hard copy • Most include templates of ready-made document styles • Some include Wizards, automated software within the word processor, that will build a customized document based on your inputted needs Allyn and Bacon 2002

9. Electronic Spreadsheets • Spreadsheets organize, calculate, and chart numeric data • Spreadsheets are very accurate and data is easily formatted for readability • Formulas for precise calculation can be inputted by the user or functions (built-in formulas) can be selected • What-if analyses can be used to compare possible outcomes Allyn and Bacon 2002

10. Electronic Spreadsheets • Charts and graphs can be easily generated from data entered into the spreadsheet • Spreadsheets also offer templates for commonly used forms • Macros (previously saved sets of commands) can be used to facilitate complex worksheet processes Allyn and Bacon 2002

11. Spreadsheets in the Classroom • Teachers can use spreadsheets to • Create a customized gradebook • Maintain a school, department, or club budget • Create chart and graph visuals • For academic activities such as stock portfolios, analysis of experiment data, and graphing numeric data from content taught in class Allyn and Bacon 2002

12. Data Base Management Systems • DBMS organizes, maintains, and retrieves data • DBMS software • Creates and uses a data hierarchy including fields, records, files, and data bases • Conducts queries that find records that match targeted criteria • Creates customizable reports of files or queries Allyn and Bacon 2002

13. DBMS in the Classroom • Educators can use DBMS software to • Maintain inventories • Create and maintain student information • Develop a mailing list of parents, community members, or educational resources • Create student activities such as creating and maintaining records for science class, developing community data for social studies, or making a class practice test data base Allyn and Bacon 2002

14. Presentation Software • Presentation software prepares sequenced electronic slides for display to a large group • Slides may contain text, graphics, sound, animation, or video • Between slide transitions and bullet special effects can be added for interest • Presentation templates make professional looking presentations easy Allyn and Bacon 2002

15. Presentation Software • Presentations can be printed out as audience handouts to share or for note taking • Individual slides can be printed with a color printer on transparency film to create professional looking transparency • Presentations can be added to a Web site for on-line access Allyn and Bacon 2002

16. Presentation Software in the Classroom • Educators can use presentation software to create professional looking, organized class or school presentations • Presentation software can also be adapted as an academic activity such as student reports via presentation, group projects with a class or schoolwide presentation as an outcome, or digital yearbook on CD Allyn and Bacon 2002

17. Integrated Software • Productivity software that contains an abbreviated form of the four common applications is called integrated software • Each productivity tool is present but some features found in stand-alone packages are omitted • Integrated software, though less powerful, offers all applications usually at a lower price Allyn and Bacon 2002

18. School/Class Management Software • Software that assists educators in accomplishing classroom or school administrative tasks • Classroom tasks assisted by software include • Attendance and Gradebook • Seating Chart • Portfolio Assessment • IEP Generators Allyn and Bacon 2002

19. School/Class Management Software • School or District level tasks assisted by software include • Attendance • Grade books accessible by parents • State reporting • Careful evaluation is important because of • Acquisition, installation and support costs • Training costs to prepare staff to use it Allyn and Bacon 2002

20. Software in Teaching and Learning • Administrative software can make tasks easier and teachers more productive • Teachers should be prepared to provide input on the administrative software best for them • Although demanding in terms of time, it is important for teachers to be familiar with software options Allyn and Bacon 2002