Personal Experience with Microsoft Applications

In today’s society the use of Microsoft Office has become essential for everyone. I can guarantee that students, teachers and businesses alike, will use a Microsoft application or a number of Microsoft applications on a daily basis to accomplish a task. The vision of Microsoft is to create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone and that adapts to each person's needs. Accessible technology eliminates barriers for people with disabilities and it enables individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities." (Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation).

Throughout my life during education and employment I have used many Microsoft Office applications to complete homework, coursework, assignments and presentations to name a few.   

During my short time as a PGCE student who teaches Sport Science, Microsoft Office applications plays a massive part in the preparation, planning, delivering and evaluating lessons. Below are a list of Microsoft applications I use and an explanation why I use each one.

Microsoft Word

Using Microsoft Word is essential for my teaching. I use Microsoft Word on a daily basis to create and complete lesson plans and sport coaching session plans. I also use Microsoft Word to create assignments briefs and any handouts needed to go with the lesson plan.

Microsoft Publisher

I rarely use Microsoft Publisher but when I do, it is used to create posters to advertise extracurricular activities, which I manage on a daily basis at my placement.

Microsoft PowerPoint

During some lessons I will prepare a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to deliver to the class, on the lesson prepared. I feel using this applications helps students to understand the theoretic side of the module as it is easier to make notes and also can be given out as a handout. Microsoft PowerPoint is important to me as a teacher however I do not  use it every single lesson as I feel a variety of applications should be used to keep the students engaged and motivated.

Microsoft Excel

This application is used mainly to store student’s records along with their assignment or exam results.

Moodle

I am currently undertaking my teaching practise and Coleg Sir Gar in Llanelli. At the college they have a moodle site which they rely on greatly to help the students in education. Each presentation I deliver or each handout I give to the class, I will upload it straight onto the college moodle site before or after the lesson has been taught. Also all assignment briefs are uploaded onto moodle for the students to access. I also create forums on moodle for the students to have their own discussion about the lesson.