Data Shmata

"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learning is in great danger". - Confucius

So as teachers in training we can sort of  distinguish between all the different types of media but most don't really recognize the difference between a spreadsheet and a database. And since most don't know the difference, a great learning aid for teaching is being rendered useless. So step one to making the most out of this information is to know the difference. A spreadsheet is a tool used to organize, calculate, and analyze numerical data. While a database isn't the same the functions are pretty similar. A database is an organized collection of data that is used to look up information among other things. Now since you understand the difference you should know why they are so beneficial. Out of all the ways that I could express the main two that come to mind are the understanding of information and the promotion of decision making. Before technology it was a good tool, but now that it has upgraded to the 21st century it's great!  It takes less time and effort to find and sort through  information that would have taken hours before databases and spreadsheets.

As a student I was always taught to think critically and to explore all my options. Using a database or spreadsheet we are able to see the information and come to important deductions that introduce well informed decisions. When teaching the children can better visualize and understand. That by using their critical thinking they can  apply the same skills to the outside world and in their personal lives. For instance, say you want to buy a house or total all of your living expenses month to month. With a spreadsheet you can lay out all the data, analyze. Further understand the implications and the costs of living.

Flipping the script, as a teacher the spreadsheet is extremely handy. They are able to provide contextual learning, promote higher levels of thinking, access student learning opportunities, utilization of teacher performance, make administrative tasks easier. All these and more are just the tip the iceberg and as you look further into this topic you will find so many more. Don't forget about all the tools that we have been given !

Try this tongue twister:
If you understand, say "understand".
If you don't understand, say "don't understand".
But if you understand and say "don't understand".
how do I understand that you understand. Understand!?

Just to make sure you were paying attention. :)

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