TWTW Teaching with the Web	The Instructional Technology Journal of Greenwood School District 50 http://www2.gwd50.org Volume 2, Number 10 November 15, 2006
Excel-ing 11/15/06 The last issue of TWTW prompted this topic because it is only natural to associate Microsoft’s Excel with understanding and using data. With the current focus on data-driven instruction to improve student learning, educators are becoming re-acquainted with Excel. Fortunately, many functions in Word and Excel (cut, copy, paste, insert, etc.) are the same, making Excel user-friendly. (Do you think Microsoft planned that?) In Adopt and Adapt (12/05, Edutopia), Marc Prensky reminds educators that the last step in technology adoption comes when we learn “to do new things in new ways.” We’ve done “old things in new ways,” i.e. manipulate data with Excel instead of creating tables in Word, but do most educators know that Excel is an excellent classroom tool across the curriculum? This issue of TWTW offers many links to Excel related sites. Excel can be used for charts, graphs, Venn diagrams, graphic organizers, interactive crossword puzzles, quizzes, Jeopardy, WebQuests, sudoku, writing branching stories, sequencing – the list goes on. (Did I mention spreadsheets?) Make a plan to “do something new in a new way” and share what you do with your colleagues.	Important Teacher Notes Excel Help · Microsoft Excel Modules http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_excel.htm Another outstanding Internet4Classrooms resource: step-by-step tutorials, links for advanced functions, classroom activities with templates & sample workbooks to download, & even non-mathematical classroom uses for Excel. · DataPig Technologies http://www.datapigtechnologies.com/ExcelMain.htm Free, online video tutorials covering basic concepts, pivot tables, charts, advanced functions, & more. The tutorials are easy to follow & informative. · Beyond the Help Desk: Microsoft Excel Articles http://www.officearticles.com/excel/index.htm According to the creator, this site, is “all the information you ever needed about Excel, but couldn't necessarily find in the help files. It may provide information that's in the Help files anyway, but hopefully more clearly explained.” There are 77 Excel articles. · Lee Summit, MO R-7 School District: Technology Integration http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/excel.htm#Excel_2003_Tutorials Basic information, tutorials, and resource links.This is another helpful site!
eProficiency Update A few notes about eProficiency: · As soon as the State updates PCS, all certified personnel will be notified and given instructions for logging in and taking the self-assessment. · The deadline to complete the survey will be adjusted accordingly. · eProficiency information can be found at: http://www2.gwd50.org/hughesc/hughes1_eProficiency.htm The information available includes: the All Certified Personnel Training PowerPoint, FAQ, & Self-Assessment Questions. · Certified personnel might find it helpful to read the self-assessment questions before it is time to take the survey in order to realistically assess personal technology proficiency. Be safe and enjoy your time with your friends and family. Cindy	Site Survey: Websites that Educate, Enlighten, Entertain, and Engage · FreeMind - free mind mapping software http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page FreeMind is free mind-mapping software written in Java. Check out the screenshots and examples to see how easy it is to use. · Excel: Concept Maps/Graphic Organizers http://www.internet4classrooms.com/concept_maps_sample.xls (template) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_concept_map.htm (how to) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_files/template4webs.xls (template) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_web.htm (how to) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_files/venn_diagram.xls (template) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_venn.htm (how to) http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_files/webbing_story.xls (sample) · Graphic.org – The Graphic Organizer http://www.graphic.org/ Graphic.org offers almost everything you want to know about graphic organizers! · Instructional Technology Coach http://www2.gwd50.org/hughesc/hughes1.htm Check this page often for updated information and resources.
	The Laptop-and-Projector Project Website Tech Project: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/TechPlan2006.htm Instr. Resources: http://www2.gwd50.org/TechPlans/StaffDevResources.htm Previous TWTW Issues: http://www2.gwd50.org/techplans/TWTW-Index.htm