Assignment 8.1

1. Why is it important for teachers to teach students to think critically? 
1. It is important to teach your students how to think critically because it is something that they will have to do everyday as an adult. If they do not learn the skills to think critically while they are young, it will be hard to complete the daily tasks that come with adult life. 
2. What is the difference between spreadsheets and databases?
1. A database is used to store data values and be a tool to compare different tables or charts, where a spreadsheet includes multiple cells and uses equations to fill cells by using the data already presented.
3. What are two ways that spreadsheets are powerful tools?
1. Creating easily edited and easily read information tables.
2. Using equations to quickly create information layouts. 
4. In what way is an electronic database a powerful tool?
1. Having an easily accessible information base that can be compared to other collections of information. 
5. Explain five ways that using spreadsheets or databases can make you more productive as a teacher.
1. Make administrative tasks easier.
2. Provide contextual learning. 
3. Analyze teaching performance. 
4. Promote higher levels of thinking. 
5. Assess student learning.