-> SK>I'd skip the data bases for sixth grade. If they are thoroughly
-> SK>acquainted with word processing and a bit familiar with
-> spreadsheets, SK>they could do this in a subsequent class.
-> Hmmm...interesting.  I think I would do just the opposite.
-> Spreadsheets contain much more power and tons of stuff that 6th
-> graders will have little use for.  Using a database (such as MS
-> Works) with the ability to do simple calculations and organize data
-> in a simple format would be more useful to 11-year-olds.  No?
-> Perhaps my view of this is clouded by the fact that I use the
-> database software far more often than
-> spreadsheet software.
Interesting. I don't have strong feelings either way, since in a full
feature spreadsheet and in a full feature database, either program will
do basic computation and record keeping of the type elementary students
are likely to need.
I should admit that I don't really use either type of program much. I
tend to use application specific software, although I have used
spreadsheets a _tiny_ bit, and databases even less.
My response was probably colored by the fact that most of the math-ed
type articles I read refer to spreadsheets. Probably the instructor
should make a choice of one or the other.
My husband, who is fairly fluent in both types of apps, says that a
spreadsheet would probably be simpler to learn. He says, that when he is
deciding which of these types of apps to use, if he is interested mostly
in computations he uses a spreadsheet. However, if he is keeping track
of info that probably would've been written on index cards and filed
w/out a computer, then he uses a database.
He is a comic book and card collector, and keeps track of his collection
on a spreadsheet. I thought that was odd at first, but the spreadsheet
will do many sorting types of options.
Sheila
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