Module 5 Discussion Posting

1. Share your thoughts on the role of productivity tools in the classroom, and include your thoughts on the pros/cons of proprietary v. open source v. web-based options for use with and by students.

Since I’m not actually in the classroom as of yet, I don’t have personal knowledge as to the role of productivity tools in the classroom, but I utilize each of the programs in the Microsoft Office Suite in my professional life and can readily see the applicability to the classroom. Since proprietary web-based options are more costly, I can see that the use would be need to be judicious; however, there are benefits to proprietary options such as troubleshooting, training, and support that would not be present in open source options.

In reading through the textbook, I was amazed to see how many programs are available—I’m also very interested in hearing about what others in the class are using right now!! It appears to me that the most important thing in choosing a program is ease of use, which would likely be different for different people and disciplines. I found that CNet.com (referenced on page 157 of our textbook) was a comprehensive place to locate information on available tools.

2. Provide your reaction to performing the assigned spreadsheet tasks (e.g., How difficult was this? Do you think you'll ever use these spreadsheet skills again?).

Since I’m used to utilizing Excel almost daily, I didn’t find it difficult, but since I’m not in a classroom, I utilized a project I’m working on right now to create the data for the assignment. I anticipate that I will continue utilizing spreadsheets regularly!

3. Share the resource(s) that you found most helpful in learning how to perform any unfamiliar tasks.

When performing unfamiliar tasks in any program, I tend to look to the help feature first, if there is one. Next, I turn to knowledgeable “tech” people around me and/or postings online about the program. I’ve found quite a few answers on bulletin boards online I located through Google and my IT guy has admitted to me that he often finds answers that way as well.