Keston Huggins

Improvements in technology throughout the years, have made our daily lives simpler and
fun. Therefore, it is only natural that we incorporate it usage within our classrooms to not only
make learning enjoyable and interesting, but also help educators improve how they deliver
content to students. I firmly believe that the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint can increase
productivity in a classroom.
If we look at these programs the benefits are numerous. Students are able to use their
creativity when they are given assignments and teachers can now make learning fun by
incorporating videos, pictures, games and animation. When teaching any given topic, teachers
can use these programs to capture student’s attention which I believe can directly lead to an
increase productivity. Even if learning does not immediately take place, it will at least get
students interested in learning. Students may even attempt to perform extra work at home
because of how fun learning it can be. PowerPoint for example, has many usages besides
transferring written notes from the whiteboard to notes on slides. Games can be used and
incorporated in PowerPoint presentations, as well as relevant videos pertaining a particular topic
which can enhance what is being thought. No longer will learning be seen as boring especially
for specific subjects where there is a lot or reading, such as English Literature and History. Now,
videos, pictures and other captivating fun activities can be used.
With the use of Excel, it allows for the computation of students records quickly and
efficiently as well as proper records management for future use. It allows for the comparison of
student’s data over a period of time and against the classroom, to verify if learning is actually
taking place. Excel allows teachers to identify trends by identifying the areas that students might
be weak in and pinpoint specific items that can be improved on. By properly managing student’s
data, teachers can also identify if a specific technique that was used with another class was
successful or not, if data are properly managed in excel.
The use of word can also save time if students are allowed to submit typed projects
instead of handwritten assignments. Word also allows students to save their information in a neat
and orderly manner with multiple opportunities for changes before submission of their work. For
teachers, it allows for extra material on specific topics to be disseminated quickly and effectively
if it incorporates images to enhance and further develop a point. These programs are also
preparing students for the 21st Century and the demand of a evolving technological world. No
longer will they finish school, both primary and secondary and now attempting to develop basic
skills in these programs.
Even though I support the use of these programs as I believe productivity will increase in
the classroom, I do hold some reservations if not properly implemented. PowerPoint can
incorporate fun in teaching and peak students’ interest; however, it can be very disruptive it not
controlled and monitored. Students may get too excited and the objective of using these
programs to complement teaching may not be met. Educators should always find a balance when
introducing these in the classroom, constantly evaluating each session to ensure its effectiveness.