Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Google or Microsoft???

                When trying to decide which program you want to use, google or Microsoft, there are many things to take into consideration. These include but are not limited to, the simplicity of the program, the things each program can do versus the other, and as a teacher is the program easy for children to use.
                When I was working with both google and Microsoft programs I noticed that one thing I like personally better in Microsoft then in google is that Microsoft is more user friendly. Everything you need to do a project or write a paper is right in front of you. Whereas on google you have to click multiple buttons or tabs to get to what you want, as an educator, I feel students would become frustrated with having to search for what they need. In this aspect I would personally say word is better than google.  

                Another thing to consider when choosing which program to use, is what features the program offers. In Microsoft there are many options for to add on such as video, audio, pictures, clip art, word art, etc. However, in google there is not an audio option, so to insert audio in a google slide you need to insert a video and make it small enough in the corner that it is just used as audio and not used as an actual video. Also google does not offer smart art, so instead you would have to use google sheets to create a chart and then insert it into your slides or document.  I feel that in a classroom setting students would have trouble figuring out how to insert audio and smart art on google.
                The third thing I would consider when deciding which program to use would be if it is easy for children to understand. As I discussed earlier it can be hard for students to find features on google as opposed to using Microsoft. Microsoft also has more pictures to show what each feature does as opposed to google.
                With all the given information I feel that Microsoft is not only the better choice for adults and teachers to use but is also the best choice for students in a classroom setting. 

3 comments:

  1. Ashley,
    I totally agree with the fact that microsoft is more user friendly. I found google docs very frustrating and I constantly had to search the internet to figure out how to do things. You make a great point in making sure that the programs that your students are using is easy for them. The program should be simple for your students especially elementary students. If they were in high school I could see using the more difficult program.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ashley,
    I do like how Microsoft does have everything at your finger tips. I also like how it has pictures so when teaching to children it's easier for them to comprehend what's going to happen if they click on a certain icon. For me I have a Chromebook and I actually can't download Microsoft onto my computer so I was unable to add just audio to either my Google or Microsoft, I had to add a picture for both :/. I do agree how Microsoft is easier for the children, but I do think that they should have the experience of getting to know both programs.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ashley,
    I enjoyed reading your post and seeing what your opinion of both Microsoft and Google programs and how they are favored more than the other sometimes. I agree that Microsoft has a lot more options for creativity but google is better for online purposes like group work and being able to save everything to the google drive. I also agree that Microsoft is easier for students to use and work with as well. Great style in your writing!

    ReplyDelete