Basic productivity tools are computer software programs which allow a user to create

specific items quickly and easily as opposed to creating the same items by hand. We
learned about three specific productivity tools:

Word Processing. Word Processing is a software program that creates documents

using text and/or graphics. An example would be Microsoft Word.

Spreadsheets. Spreadsheets quickly organize numerical information and allows the

creator to input formulas into the spreadsheet for easy calculation. An example would
be Microsoft Excel.

Databases. Databases allow the user to save collections of information in one easily
accessible place. This allows the user to find information about a specific topic much
faster versus searching the internet. An example of a database would be Galileo.

Microsoft Office is a common productivity software package which includes Microsoft

Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Pages is the Mac productivity tool equivalent to Microsoft
word. Productivity tools are used all over the world by lots of different people for many
reasons. Accountants use Excel to create ledgers, teachers use Word to create tests,
and Marketers use PowerPoint for presentations and slide shows.
The differences between Productivity Software and Instructional Software is that
productivity Software helps users create products such as a word document, excel
spreadsheet, power point, etc.; while Instructional Software has already been produced,
cannot be changed, and is used to reinforce a lesson.

Beyond the Basics Productivity Tools

Beyond the Basics Productivity Tools (BBPTs) are productivity software tools which
have the same benefits as basic productivity tools; improved efficiency and productivity,
improved appearance of a product, better accuracy and timeliness of information, and
more support for interaction and sharing. The differences between BBPTs and basic
productivity tools are the advanced features of specialization, interactivity and sharing,
creativity, and in certain BBPTs simplicity of use for younger generations. Teachers can
use these tools to differentiate instruction which allows students learn at their own
pace.
The BBPTs Cobb County Schools use are: KidPix - a drawing program developed for
children. The drawing tools are displayed along the left side of the screen as kid-
friendly icons instead of menus. Each tool presents a new set of options when clicked,
such as different styles in Wacky Brush. Other drawing tools include: Line Tool, Paint
Bucket, Mixer Tool, Rubber Stamp, Moving Truck, Erasing Tools, Text Tool, Typing
Tool, Sound Tool, and many others. KidPix is great for younger children and I look
forward to using it in my classroom.

Timeliner - a software program that helps students organize information and data from
many sources into a timeline, sequence, or cycle; and present it in a professional
multimedia presentation. Templates are available to get projects started quickly and to
organize the information. It features a built-in Web browser for searching the Internet
and a cross-curricular menu with ready-made files in the categories of social studies,
language arts, and science & math. Timeliner is more advanced than KidPix and I
recommend it be used for grades 4th and up. I used Timeliner once in high school and
I recall how easy and simple the program is to use.

Inspiration - software for creating visual maps, outlines, and presentations. The
Diagram and Map Views help with brainstorming ideas, structuring thoughts, and
visually communicating concepts. The integrated Outline View may be used to take
notes, organize information, and structure writing for plans, papers, and
reports. With Kidspiration, software for K-5, students use graphic organizers to
express thoughts and explore ideas and relationships. They create graphic organizers
including webs, concept maps and Venn diagrams to clarify thoughts, organize
information, apply new knowledge and build critical thinking skills. I used Inspiration to
create a graphic organizer to demonstrate a product of the program.