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Welcome to Group 5's Integration Strategy for Student Use of Databases and Spreadsheets Group Members: Kelly Scaringi, Nakiella Strickland, Jenny Walker [|blog your thoughts here] CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR DISCUSSION THOUGHTS

There are thousands of uses for databases and spreadsheets. [] lists close to 50 databases with lesson plans.
 * "Students can also come up with their own topic to explore and create their own spreadsheets. After the spreadsheets are made, the students can use the Microsoft Excel to make different types of graphs. Students will probably get really involved if they have the chance to choose a topic to make spreadsheets and graphs." [|https://www.msu.edu/~johns664/SpreadsheetsintheClassroom.html]**


 * Using computers as a tool to solve problems is an important part of the learning process. According to Hodges, D., Mandlebaum, L., Boff, C., & Miller, M. onr example of how teachers can use databases is, a teacher who searches for a vocabulary strategy could search for reading and then skim the standards or the rationale to find strategies that specifically deal with vocabulary. Students can also access many databases such as those found at your local library such as ebsco kids o practice getting familiar with the format for accessing and using large amounts of information. If a teacher requires students to turn in a review on each site used or sites are stored on the computer in an online database this will support the safe internet use or theAcceptable Use Policy. **




 * Original ideas of how you can develop an ideal student resource database to fit your current or future teaching needs is easy. Using databases can alleviate issues and problems teachers face.**
 * For example, when teaching a unit on The Rainforest, teachers and students can create a database of websites and resources used during the research. Also, if it is a social networking project, student responses that are shared and exchanged can be organized in database form. This alleviates some time management problems for storing resources and locating them for future use. Furthernore, teachers and students can create spreadsheets or databases of websites or software they have reviewed during the school year, this is another way to increase productivity instead of repeat a review and access less information.**
 * media type="custom" key="6612357" View a slideshow to learn about a few strategies for teaching students uses of databases and spreadsheets.**


 * Using Databases and spreadsheets can be easy and have many advantages. They assist teachers in their lessons by providing a large amount of information. Also, it makes identifying credible sources easy.**
 * Utilizing this tool can save time, provide resources to support the school improvement plan and provide materials for impromptu school community meetings. Disadvantages may include it can be difficult to use without trainings or workshops on how to create a database and spreadsheet as well as use them for teaching students real world strategies to use the computer for problem solving. At least 4 trainings a year, one per quarter will help to addresst teacher questions and allow for an expert to show staff simple uses of these great problem solving tools.**

Knowing how to work with data is a major skill set of the 21st century. Students must learn these skills as part of their academic programs and should begin at the earliest age possible. Students that do not learn how data is gathered, recorded and displayed will be at a disadvantage when trying to compete for resources as they enter the workforce. Students that cannot interpret data with a critical eye may also be at a disadvantage.KF