I've only been using databases for a few years now. I created one at our former church to keep track of children and workers enrolled in Vacation Bible School. When it came time to print out certificates, the database was wonderful. I created a mail merge with the name field in Word. I was even able to insert the signatures for Director and Pastor so we didn't have to sign all 100+ certificates.
Having a database of my student contact information, attendance, and progress has been wonderful. I have been able to use the information to know which students are on track and which ones need to pick up the pace. I can use the fields to mail merge progress reports and to create letters to mail to families. Our teacher database id getting an overhaul right now and I seriously miss having that information literally at my fingertips.
With all of the advantages of spreadsheets and databases, I'd love to learn more advanced skills with them. A co-worker and I were discussing using Google Docs this week. We're setting up a form for our students to submit attendance for online sessions or watching the recorded class later. She gives students extra credit for attending the online sessions or watching her recordings. When they submit the information to the form, it is stored in an online spreadsheet that we can export to Excel. While we knew we could sort the data by student last name so she could tally points, we were pondering how to get the spreadsheet to calculate the points for her. This is at the edge of my knowledge, but I am eager to learn more so can get the technology to work for me.
I think that's a key - getting technology to work for us. As I've said before, if it's not making things easier in the long run, it's just technology for technology's sake. For me, that's a waste of time. Setting up a database can be tedious work, but, if the information is going to need to be accessed repeatedly over time, then it's worth it. We need technology to work for us.
Kimberly Carter said...
ReplyDeleteI posted this comment for Tiffany but posted under the wrong blog:
From Tiffany - her post did not show again:
Kimberly,
It may work that you could export the data to Excel and have Excel do the calculations. You would just need to figure out the formula that would satisfy the points that you need to calculate. If needed, you could then import it back into Access.
I like that you all give certificates to kids to encourage their growth in their Christian walk. It takes dedication to attend Bible school and their efforts deserve recognition, though I am sure Jesus blesses them.
How do you track the students progress in the database to know if they need to pick up the pace or not? Does your grading program link to your database?
I am impressed. I have very little experience with Access and you are able to mail merge already! I need to learn how to do that when I get back to the classroom. I have done mail merge before through Word, but I can almost guarantee that Access would be better because you would not have to re-enter all the information each time.
What information is in your teacher database that is under construction?
I agree, if technology is going to make your life easier in the long run, learn how to use it! If it is going to be something that you can say you know how to use, but you never use it, then it is a waste of time. I agree that databases are a great deal of work initially, but their payoff is worth the effort. It always helps to set up the databases collaboratively because it lessens the work load on any one person. It is also important to keep in mind that once the database is set up, you can use it as long as the data is accurate.
Great posting. I hope my suggestion helped you with your calculations.
Tiffany
October 2, 2011 8:50 PM
My response, also posted under the wrong blog post:
ReplyDeleteKimberly Carter said...
Tiffany, thanks for the suggestions for Excel!
Our students work in an online program that measures progress. I export the data weekly to Excel and copy/paste into the Excel spreadsheet. I have found the hard way that I have to used Copy->Paste->Special values. If I don't, the data does not get entered correctly. We just got an email today that our spreadsheet is ready! I am so glad to have it now. As you stated, it will take some time for me to input the information, but it will make my life so much easier! Since I have my own homeroom, I do have to complete all of my own students, but we have training for new teachers so they can get assistance in a collaborative environment.
Thanks again for the suggestions! I'm sure we could figure out how to make it work with a bit of effort.
October 2, 2011 9:05 PM