Each of the applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, and databases has shared functions. Most of them must be based on simple necessities. For example, the Copy, Paste, Cut, and Insert commands are in most applications. Other controls are based on the purpose of the application. For example, Microsoft PowerPoint has functions specifically for creating animations and multimedia for presentations. Most of the applications have features that enhance the work of the user.
Each application has
some advantages and disadvantages. PowerPoint users benefit from the
entertaining slides it creates, but the slides can distract from the goal of
the presentation. According to Winn (2003), “slides should facilitate
discussion. They highlight your primary teaching points. They should not be the
teaching point.” Close attention must be paid on the objective for which the
presentation is created. Word is advantageous for its use of letters and
flyers, and it is one of the main applications used globally. However, Word has
limited functions for images, and it has a high learning curve on some of its
features. Advantages of Excel for spreadsheets include the ability to organize
data, but learning the formulas for cell input can be time-consuming (Natter,
2019). For Microsoft Access, importing data is simple, and it is easy to
install and use. However, it has security concerns and a finite storage system
for databases.
The most appropriate
software for my writing was Microsoft Word. I am familiar with the application
and its features. It also has a widely used format, which is acceptable at most
institutions. The office applications also have the benefit of additional
features. One of the additional functions of Word is the ability to create
mailing labels for marketing purposes. The print feature can be adjusted to
print multiple mailing labels or print on mailing envelopes. An additional part
of Excel is using formulas or links from one spreadsheet to a separate
spreadsheet. PowerPoint is also useful for education and course material. The
slides help demonstrate in-class lectures and “projecting visuals that would be
difficult to bring to class (Teaching with PowerPoint - NIU Center for
Innovative Teaching and Learning, n.d.).” For Access databases, one of the
additional functions is publishing searchable information on the internet. This
makes it accessible for remote users.
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References
Natter, E. (2019, January 25). The Advantages &
Disadvantages of Spreadsheets. Small Business - Chron.Com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-spreadsheets-26551.html
Teaching with PowerPoint - NIU - Center for Innovative
Teaching and Learning.
(n.d.). Northern Illinois University. Retrieved September 12, 2021, from https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/teaching-with-powerpoint.shtml
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2017). Computing
technology for all.
Retrieved from zybooks.zyante.com/
Winn, J. (2003). Avoiding Death by PowerPoint. Journal
of Professional Issues in Engineering Education & Practice, 129(3),
115. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(2003)129:3(115)
