EdTech 541 - the Basic Suite Software

The Relevant Advantages of The Basic Suite Software

Basic Software Suite is a collection of two or more programs bundled together that can be used used in conjunction with each other or as separate applications. Software suites usually have applications that include a word processor, a spreadsheet and a presentation package. Examples of basic software suites that are commonly used in education are Microsoft Office - MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint and Google. Google includes Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides - combined under Google Drive.

The basic suite software is one of - if not the most - important and flexible types of software we use in education today. Teachers choose them not only because they have qualities that aid classroom instruction and help make classroom time more productive, but also because they give students experience with  21st- century tools that they will see again and again in their workplaces (Roblyer, 2016). In our school board and province, High School Redesign is paramount in the development of our students. Personalized learning and collaboration are important aspects of this initiative. Basic suite software, especially cloud suite software such as the Google Docs, Sheets and Slides - has enhanced the ability for students to collaborate within the classroom, at home or with students around the world. Roblyer (2016) states all three of these resources are known to have led to “improved productivity, appearance, accuracy, and more support for interaction and collaboration” (p. 109). It has allowed students to publish amazing work in word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

Word Processing

Word processing is the probably the most widely used software in education. Roblyer (2016) notes that word processing can be used for either type of learning approach - constructivist and direct instruction - and, its aid to teaching and learning, is universally acknowledged. There are many advantages for using word processing in the classroom. Some of these advantages include time savings for both teacher and student; the enhancement of document appearance; the ability of sharing of documents - allows for collaboration of documents; and the support of student writing and language learning. It gives the students the ability to edit and revise their finished work and lets them create some amazing documents. It even allows the students to create artifacts that include desktop publishing and graphics. The correcting functions like spell and grammar checks and the thesaurus enhances the student’s ability to concentrate more on their thoughts. Word processing software that now uses the cloud has led to more collaboration among our students with its ability of sharing documents. It has also allowed more timely teacher feedback.

Spreadsheeting

The advantages of using spreadsheets are it saves time for both teacher and student, it increases student engagement by motivating our students, it help students better understand certain concepts and it takes away menial tasks associated with some assignments and lets the student concentrate on the learning of the concept. I find it especially useful when teaching accounting. It provides many opportunities for the students to problem solve and make “what if” comparisons.  Roblyer (2016) points out that spreadsheets can “encourage logical thinking, organizational skills, and promote problem solving” (p. 124).

Presentation Software

Presentation software is also very valuable, however it does need to be done correctly so as to not take away from student learning. A poorly done slide show can actually have reverse effects when it comes to learning.  We have all heard the expression “PowerPoint overkill.” However, if presentations are completed correctly with proper design principles and interactivity, slideshows are still a great way to organize students and teachers thoughts, enhance the impact of spoken lessons and allow for collaboration in creating and delivering presentations. It can also motivate students and allow for collaboration.

Basic Suite software has come a long way from its beginnings. The use of MS Office has definitely had an impact on education over the last 20 years or so. Now, with the advent of cloud computing and cloud office suites, the basic office suite will start an new era in student learning. The chance for continuous collaboration and personalization, the ability to have our students work work anywhere, anytime, and the benefits of a combined word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software package will give our students an opportunity to be lifelong learners and succeed in the real world.

References

Roblyer, M. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.