A tool application for the computer that is very useful is a database program. A database is a file which contains records of a number of individuals. The individual records can be information about people, states, countries, dinosaurs, or rocks and m inerals. Anything that you have ever collected can be made into a database file.
One of the most common database files is like an address book someone might keep. It would have the names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, and so on of friends and relatives. It can be kept in the computer and updated electronically.
In the classroom, a database file can be a wonderful use of the computer during the first few weeks of school each year. Students can use the database to enter information about themselves such as name, address, birthday, and many other items. Some ca tegories could include number of brothers and sisters, what pets they own, and favorite foods, books, movies, etc. The list is endless! This early use of the database would give the students practice in keyboard skills, and encourage them to remember pers onal data. After all the information has been entered, students can then search the database for elements they might have in common, such as "three sisters" or "strawberry ice cream."
A database can also be used to merge information into a word processor, allowing the teacher to send personalized form letters to parents or make labels for students to put on their work.
To see some examples of the ways in which educators are using database in their classrooms, visit the following sites.