When creating a full portfolio of information, it is important to use visuals, numbers and words. There are several types of applications that handle this job quite well. Word processor applications, spreadsheet applications and presentation applications. Each one does a specific job, but used all together can create a total package for any type of presentation.
A word processor is, “a common computer application for creating formatted text,” (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. 2019). The word application that I used was Pages. I have a MacBook, so Microsoft Office doesn’t come installed on it. It does come with Pages, which is the Apple equivalent of Microsoft Word. It has all of the same features, just in a different layout. I can format text, changing the font, size and add additional features, like making the text bold or italicized. What I liked about using Pages was being able to quickly write down my thoughts, even while on the go. Pages comes on all Apple products, such as the iPhone, so I was able to work on things while I was out running errands or handling business. Everything I write at that moment can instantly be seen on a different device. I was able to start writing on my phone and finish it up on my laptop. One thing I did not like about using Pages, was I had to change the document type to a Word doc in order to upload it properly. It’s an extra step that is a bit of an annoyance, but not a huge deal.
I used a spreadsheet application to calculate the hours spent doing different tasks for a day. A spreadsheet application is, “a common computer application for representing tables of data like text or numbers, for using formulas to calculate data (sums or averages) and for creating graphical charts of data,” (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. 2019). Since I was tasks with providing the hours used for each activity throughout the day, a spreadsheet application was the best option. I used Microsoft Excel as my application of choice. Using this application, I was able to calculate the data I inputted to show the average time used for each activity. It was fairly simple typing in the formulas I wanted to use to calculate the data I entered into the cells. When using this application, I did learn more about it and used more of its features than I ever have before. I was always nervous to use Excel because it seemed challenging. Now I understand that it actually makes calculating data easier. I know, in the future, when I want to start creating a budget for the household, I will start using Excel, now that I have a better understanding of how it works. The one thing I don't like about Excel is having to pay or create some type of subscription to use it. I’d rather it be free and easily accessible for everyone.
I used a presentation application to create a slideshow presentation to illustrate one my days. A presentation application is, “a computer application used to create a slideshow of text and graphics, often with animation,” (Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. 2019). The presentation application I chose to use was Microsoft Powerpoint. Again, I have had minimal experience using Powerpoint, so I was eager to learn in order to create this slideshow. I think its great how I can create animations for photos and text that I enter. After finishing this presentation I felt confident in my ability to create future powerpoint presentations, for my career, that may look more extravagant. I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities where I will be tasked with leading a meeting with a powerpoint presentation. Especially when trying to convey visual representation of data that was collected. The one thing I don't like about Powerpoint is the same reason I don't like Excel; having to pay for it to use it to its full potential. Other than that, the application is amazing.
Through using these different applications, I was able to understand what each one does. Pages or Microsoft Word can create formatted text. Excel can be used to calculate inputted data. And, Powerpoint can be used to create slideshow presentations. Doing this assignment gave me additional knowledge on each application that I can apply in future uses for other projects.
References:
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all
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