Relative Advantage of Using the Basic Suite for Learning

This week’s topic focused on the relative advantage of using The Basic Suite for Learning. I was tasked with providing a rationale for the use of The Basic Suite by students and/or teachers and explaining the relative advantage of The Basic Suite in my work environment.

A software suite consists of separate tool programs, usually application software placed in the same package that’s designed to complement one another. It often shares a common interface and ability to seamlessly exchange data. These tools offer several benefits, such as improved productivity, organization, and professionalism. It allows me to do my job more efficiently and saves time when I’m creating instructional materials, such as tutorials.

These software tools also promote interaction and collaboration among students, allowing input from several people at once (Roblyer, p.109) Web-based collaboration tools are now available and I use Google Docs in the workplace as a tool to share, create, and edit presentations (Google Slides), spreadsheets (Google Sheets), and word processing (Google Docs) with my coworkers. These tools are also made available as a mobile app so that I can use them on my cell phone and tablet. The benefit of the mobile app is it provides me with a portable format, which I can access from anywhere that I have an internet connection.

In education and the learning setting, three of the most widely software support tools are:

Word Processing:

Allows users to create, edit, and print typed documents on a computer. It is usually the most common application software used in a software suite. Some examples of word processing tools are Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and OpenOffice word processing. OpenOffice is a open-source office software suite whose source code is made available in the public domain, so anyone can use it for free and it works on all common computers. Word processing can be used for 3rd graders to write mathematical equations and edit math worksheets assigned by the teacher on iPads in Google Docs.

Relative Advantage: It allows you to save time by being able to open and edit your document and saving it for later use. Teacher’s and students can make changes without retyping the entire document.

 

Spreadsheets:

Allows users to create and manipulate values in tables that are arranged in rows and columns. According to Webopedia “Each value can have a predefined relationship to the other values.” Some examples of spreadsheets are Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and OpenOffice Calc. 3rd grade students can use Google Sheets on an iPad to calculate basic arithmetic during math review sessions.

Relative Advantage: It allows you to organize all of your data. It provides good visualization of numbers and allows you to perform arithmetics and use formulas. It helps increase student and teacher motivation in subjects like math.

 

Presentation programs:

Allows users to display information and data in the form of slides. It allows you to edit text, insert and manipulate graphics, and a slide show presentation system that displays all of the content that you create. Some examples of presentation programs are Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, and Google Slides. 3rd grade students can use Google Slides in groups to create their own math problems and quizzes for their classmates to answer.

Relative Advantage: It allows you to display information in a slideshow format as well as enhance it. This engages students and your audience. It also allows for group collaboration amongst student’s and teacher’s as well.

 

Browse Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2016, from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM

Roblyer, M. D. (2016). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching  (7th Edition). Pearson. Kindle Edition.