7. Google Docs

Goggle Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, and form application offered by Google. Rather than sending files for others to read, edit, update, and interact on, Google Docs allows you to put a file online and invite others to complete all the same actions in only one copy; users of Google Docs are able to create and edit documents online while collaborating with other users. Google Docs is a very efficient and organized way of saving information and communicating with others about a particular file. This program could be useful in the classroom in partner with teachers working together to portray alike information among several different grades or classrooms.

6. PowerPoint

There are many ways to design and deliver a presentation using the PowerPoint program. The following is some learned advice in creating an overall beneficial presentation:

When creating a new presentation, characteristics, such as backgrounds, can really compliment the material being portrayed. When using a background, a darker one in combination with light text is generally the most visually appealing. The use of only two fonts are recommended and it is highly advised to keep text to a minimum length: content is King. This text should support the presentation, however, the presenter should expand on the key points listed. The presenter should also not capitalize everything but fonts should rather be big enough in size to easily be read. Text should always be on the left, graphics on the right, and data conveyed graphically. There should only be one style of backgrounds, graphics, color schemes, and animations. Art chosen in PowerPoint presentations should also be that of a lighthearted nature- a slightly cheesy illustration of the information.

The PowerPoint presentation program provides many creative and useful ways to reveal the information. Some of these little quirks include: bells and whistles, slide animation, and texts dimmed. However, these should also be kept both consistent and to a minimum- used to enhance rather than distract. When completed, the presentation should be put on either a flash drive, network drive, Google docs, or a CD. The use of several of these devices is recommended in case of a need for a back-up plan. The presenter should arrive early to be prepared for both this type of occurrence as well as to be able to test equipment, such as the network and Internet access, projector, and sound deivecs. It is also advised that when delivering the information the presenter not hide behind the computer but rather have an alternative clicker or access to a remote control.

PowerPoint, when used correctly, is a very beneficial program in presenting information. I would very much recommend its use both in and out of the classroom.

5. Web Page

Truth be told I never thought I would have a Blog, let alone my own web page. However, programs like SharePoint Designer make it very easy and possible to design and maintain your very own. A web page is a hypertext document made with HTML (hypertext markup language). It contains everything including text, graphics, pictures, hyperlinks, sounds, video, and multimedia. A web server computer sends it and a client computer displays it using a web browser (Internet Explorer, Mosaic, Netscape, Google Chrome, etc.).

To create a web page you must first create a home page through either coding in the HTML, using Microsoft Word or any other Microsoft tool, or web editors such as SharePoint Designer. Then, place the designed web page on a server/ host and give it a URL. It can then be seen and accessed by anyone given the proper address. Success :)

4. The Internet vs. The World Wide Web

One thing I have discovered in taking this class is the in fact difference of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Although many people think they are synonymous, they are very different. The Internet is a worldwide group of connected networks in which allow public access to information and services. There is an estimation of over a billion users. The Internet works as data is divided into packets. Routers send packets across the Internet, allowing the packets to switch. The Internet protocol (TCP/IP) is the agreed upon method of communication. Some of the services and common uses of the Net are:

• Electronic Mail (SMTP)
• File Transfer (FTP)
• Remote Login (TELNET)

These services, however, are never seen because they are hidden by the server. Internet addresses can contain either numeric addresses, domain tame, or country codes. An example of this is http://www.gcc.edu/.

The World Wide Web, on the other hand, is a collection of hypertext documents, hyperlinks, and multimedia in which are found on the Internet. Found by used of a Uniform Resource Location (URL), the web browser interprets HTML and displays web pages in which enable you to link to other web pages and sites. This was started in the early 1990's where as the Internet began in 1969.

3. Microsoft Excel

As teachers, we will need to be able to record and keep track of multiple student's grades. This can be difficult with many names, information, assignments, quizzes, tests, and overall achievement. However, one very organized and beneficial way of ensuring all the information kept in one place is with the use of a spreadsheet, or Microsoft Excel. Given a template, we are to keep track of grades for everyone in the class, including ourselves. Throughout different tabs, grades can be recorded according to type of work it is. This score, found with the use of different functions, can be recorded in a different tab at the same time to calculate the overall percentage of everything. One of the functions we use, for example, in keeping everyones grade is the =randbetween(#,#). Because we aren't given the true grade of everyone in the class, we keep and maintain a pretend grade book where this random number generator "decides" which score to give them, after being given a range of numbers in which to choose from. These scores all combine in the end to show a final percentage, which can then be issued a letter grade based on a scale created in yet another tab. It is a very efficient way to keep track of the progress in your classroom.

2. Microsoft Outlook

Many people use Microsoft Outlook simply to send and receive emails. I, for one, know that this was the entirety of my use of the program before having taken this class. However, Dr. Jenny taught us to manage and explore the many beneficial uses of the program in hopes to teach us additional organizational skills. Some of these features include:

• Outlook Today: This feature allows you to post your schedule on a calendar. Both one time and reoccuring events, you are not only kept reminded of things you have scheduled butd others are also able to see when you are best available.
• Task Tab: This displays tasks needing to be completed. Once you have completed a task you can simply check the box and it will disappear. You can also take emails in which give specific tasks and drag them into the task tab to create a quick reminder.
• Address Book: This feature allows you to keep contact information. Either saved as a single person or as a group, information on others is easily available. And, just as with the Task Tab, you may drag an email into the address book to create a quick contact.
• BCC: Blank Carbon Copy allows you to send one email to multiple people without others able to see who else is receiving.
• Signature: This feature enables you to have an automatic signing of your name and personal contact information at the end of each email.
• Out of Office Assistant: Sends out a response email if you are unable to check email during a certain period of time.
• Folders: Additional folders can be created for mail to keep information organized.