A list of five applications I believe every student should learn.
1. Word processors (MS Word)
2. Web Browsers (Firefox, Internet Explorer)
3. Graphics Editors (MS Paint, Adobe Photoshop)
4. Presentation Software (ie: PowerPoint)
5. Personal Information Managers (MS Outlook)
Although I have listed these applications in order from most important; I do not feel the importance of these applications is distantly ranked. For example, I have listed word processors first and web browsers second. I am not suggesting that web browsers are a distant second by any means.
I chose the ranking of the applications based on what I feel might be learned and used earliest in a student’s educational career.
The applications listed were chosen based on my “real world” and college experience. I have created most projects using MS Word, Firefox and Adobe Photoshop. My knowledge of MS PowerPoint has been extremely useful in college, as many instructors use this application. I have learned to print PP presentations in outline form; this makes it easier for me to take effective notes. As for the Personal Information Managers, I use Outlook DAILY! Outlook on my pocket PC has replaced my GIANT old day planner. Outlook helps me to keep school work organized, reminds me of upcoming appointments, allows me to communicate on the go(email), holds my contacts and allows me to create to do and bright ideas lists!
It is my opinion that the word processing and web browser applications could be introduced as early in education as First Grade. I would not expect mastery. However, I firmly believe many students could begin to explore these programs with teacher guidance. I believe the graphics editors and presentation software should be introduced around third grade. I worked in a third grade classroom where students were taught how to create intricate PowerPoint presentations which related to the science curriculum (biomes). Finally, I believe mastery and use of the Personal Information Managers should be implemented at middle school age (6th grade). Students could use such software to manage a homework schedule as well as communicate (email) with teachers and peers.
