handbook

Word Processing - Spreadsheets - Presentations - Web 2.0 Tools
 * __Advanced Tools Handbook__ **

__**Advanced Word Processing in Open Office Writer**__ Word processing programs are some of the most widely used tools in public schools. There is a great deal of evidence that word processing software can increase the quantity and, to a lesser extent, the quality of student writing. A study centering around a group of Michigan Fifth Graders reported that when using word processing programs, students increased the quantity of their writing consistently. In some instances the quantity of their writing increased by multiple pages as compared to what they had previously written even though they were utilizing the same types of prompts. The same study also found that simply using technology in educational processes is, in and of itself, motivational to students (Daniels, 2004). 
 * Word processing software can be used for a multitude of projects in all content areas. Here are a few ideas:
 * Create travel brochures utilizing fill colors, pictures and text.
 *  Work on peer editing and revision activities by tracking changes.
 * Create compilation books of stories as one document utilizing page breaks.
 * Insert photos or add student drawings to written compositions.
 * Create comic books by using the drawing tools available.
 * Create charts from classroom data.
 * Insert Comments
 * Choose the spot where you would like to insert the comment > Insert > Note


 * Page Break
 * Insert > Manual Break > Toggle: Page Break > OK


 * Set Margins
 * Highlight the desired area >Format > Page > Then type in or toggle desired margins in bottom left corner


 * Insert Photos
 * Insert > Picture > Choose: From File > Choose File > Open


 * Insert Video
 * Insert > Movie and Sound > Choose File > Open


 * Create Tables
 * Insert > Table


 * Track Changes
 * Edit > Changes > Record
 * To Accept/Reject Changes > Edit > Changes > Accept or Reject Changes > Choose from the dialog box which to keep/reject or keep/reject all


 * Mail Merge
 * media type="youtube" key="vTX10Mnsm1U" height="344" width="425"


 * Print Labels
 * media type="youtube" key="WAbu-T_fx0E" height="344" width="425"


 * **Helpful Links**
 * For a full list of the differences between performing tasks in Microsoft Word vs. Open Office visit [|Writer for Microsoft Word Users]
 * For written tutorials on specific areas of Open Office Writer visit [|Open Office Tutorials]

__**Advanced Spreadsheets in Open Office Calc**__ Spreadsheet software allows for meticulous organization of information and the ability to perform complicated calculations in a flash. In a study focusing on a group of High School Algebra students using spreadsheets in the classroom, there was an increase in both achievement and interest in the classroom (Neurath & Stephens, 2006).


 * Here are a few ideas of how to use Open Office Calc in the classroom:
 * Survey and collect classroom data and analyze it
 * Create graphs to visually display content
 * Organize data to find averages and percentages
 * Create a grade-book for your classroom
 * Take students on an "online shopping spree"
 * Collect and analyze Nutritional Information


 * **Helpful Links**
 * For posters and lesson plans visit [|"Almost everything for spreadheets in the classroom"]
 * For spreadsheet use with mathematics [|click here]
 * Here is a [[file:Class Gradebook.xls]] I created. It can be used to calculate average grades, keep student addresses on file and create a mail merge to send home progress reports. Just fill in your own class information but make sure to keep the formulas intact!
 * To use Open Office to create a mail merge and print labels, see the two videos above.

** __Classroom Grade-Book__ ** If you'd like to create simplified grade-book yourself, follow the steps below:
 * **Insert Headings**
 * Begin by creating your headings along the second row, starting in Column A.
 * You will probably want column headings for First Name, Last Name, Names of Projects, Total Points, Averages and Grades.


 * **Input Points Possible and Total**
 * In row 3, underneath each assignment, input the points possible.
 * To add the total points possible, in the input line, type "=SUM(" and highlight the cells you would like to total.
 * You can also use the AutoSum button next to the input bar.
 * Your final formula should look something like "=SUM(C3:G3)"


 * **Find the Average Percent**
 * To find the percentage to put under the average column, click on the open cell underneath average.
 * Type "=AVERAGE(" click the total points cell and divide it by the total points
 * For Example, "=AVERAGE(K3/134)"


 * **Grade Table**
 * First you will need to create a grade table.
 * It can be on a separate sheet or a different part of your current sheet.
 * Grades should be organized from lowest to highest and look something like this:
 * [[image:Picture_1.png]]


 * **Define Your Table**
 * The window to the left of the input line is the name box.
 * It usually displays the name of the cell or cells that are selected.
 * Highlight the grade table you have just made.
 * Type the name "Grade" in the name box and press enter.
 * Your table is now defined and named so we can use it to Lookup our grades!


 * **"Lookup" the Letter Grade**
 * LOOKUP is a little bit more complicated, so let's let the function wizard help us.
 * Select the first cell under your "Grade" header.
 * Click on the Function Wizard next to the input line.
 * Find and double-click "LOOKUP".
 * For "Search Criterion" click the percentage grade you want to look up.
 * For "Search Vector" highlight the grade table you just made.
 * To make the values of your grade table absolute, insert $ in front of "Grade" as well as the letters and numbers
 * Your formula should end up looking something like:
 * "=LOOKUP(L3;$Grade.$A$1:$B$6)"


 * **Input Student Names and Grades**
 * Now that the hard parts are over, you can input all of your student names and points on each assignments.


 * **Apply Your Formulas to the Whole Class**
 * Begin with the Total Points column.
 * Click on the cell containing the formula.
 * Point to the bottom right corner of the highlighted cell.
 * The pointer should turn to a plus (+) sign
 * Pull the plus (+) sign to fill in all the other total points cells in the column
 * Each student's total points should show up in their respective cells.
 * Now do the same for percentage and grade
 * Your finished grade book should look something like this:
 * [[image:Picture_2.png]]

**__Presentations in Google Docs__** Google docs is one of the most useful sites for working on presentations, especially with a group. Students and teachers can easily embed videos, add photos and graphics, and truly collaborate to create a final product. In a 2001 study with high school anatomy and physiology students using laptops with presentation software, the results indicated that students learned more while creating projects with presentation software and using multimedia programs (Siegle & Foster, 2001).


 * Starting a new presentation:
 * From the main Google Docs page: New > Presentation


 * Adding Slides
 * Slide > New Slide
 * Control M also works
 * To create a copy of a slide you already created: Slide > Duplicate Slide
 * To delete an unnecessary slide: Slide > Delete Slide
 * These same buttons are also available on the toolbar


 * Adding Text
 * Insert > Text
 * Text is available in multiple colors, fonts and sizes, just as in PowerPoint


 * Changing Backgrounds:
 * Google Docs gives users the option of using a graphic background or solid color background on their slides
 * To change backgrounds: Edit > Change Background
 * You also have the choice to apply to all slides or just the slide you are working on


 * Adding Video
 * Insert > Video > then search for the video you would like to use on You Tube


 * Adding Pictures
 * Insert > Image > then find the image in your files


 * **For those of you who learn better visually, here are a few short videos that demonstrate use of Google Docs Presentation:**
 * Getting Started:
 * media type="youtube" key="M58IkU2rQNQ" height="344" width="425"


 * Adding a New Slide
 * media type="youtube" key="UM-zF7a0oX0" height="344" width="425"


 * Themes, Colors and Fonts
 * media type="youtube" key="3iBfUUMdiZw" height="344" width="425"


 * Sharing
 * media type="youtube" key="0-cbQX_WBgE" height="344" width="425"

**__Web 2.0 Tools__** Higdon & Topaz (2009) used wikis and blogs in order to support a Just-in-time format in an undergraduate physics class, and found that conceptual understanding was increased . 
 * View Web 2.0 Tools Here or click "webtools" in the upper left corner of the page.

**__References:__**  Daniels, A. (2004). Composition instruction: Using technology to motivate students to write. //Information Technology in Childhood Education//, 2004(1), 157-177. Higdon, J. & Topaz, C. (2009). Blogs and wikis as instructional tools: A social software adaptation of just-in-time teaching. //College Teaching//. 57(2). 105-110. Neurath, R. A. & Stephens, L. J. (2006). The effect of using Microsoft Excel in a high school algebra class. //International Journal of Mathematics Education in Science and Technology//, 37(6), 721-726. Siegle, D. & Foster, T. (2001). Laptop computers and multimedia presentation software: Their effects on student achievement in anatomy and physiology, //Journal of Research on Technology in Education//, 34(1), 29-37.



