Office Productivity Software Selection

What is office productivity software and what is it used for in teaching and learning environments and also training and e-learning environment?

In computing and information technology, an office suite is often referred to as an office software suite or productivity suite. This is a electronic or technology programs that employees or students use. The components of the package are usually bundles and distributed together. They tend to have a consistent user interface and in most cases area interactive and compatible with each other. They can interact with each other in ways that the operating system would usually not allow or provide access to. When going through the process of choosing office productivity software, it is important to determine what features you will need to have access to. These suite of functions include spreadsheets, word processing, database, presentation, and email programs.

It is a general term applied to the most common kinds of applications software to increase a user's productivity: word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphics, data communications, project management, communication, etc. The category is quite broad. Some programs in this category, such as Microsoft Office, provide tools for performing more than one of those functions. Others are used for virtual conferencing, collaboration, training, and presentations.

Others, for instance tools in the Adobe suite may have more specialized output. The productivity software can be categorized by using a small, medium and large matrix:

• In small enterprises, this can consist of individual user accounting software, and office suites such as Microsoft Office
• In medium-sized enterprises the range is broader and includes accounting, project management software, human resources software, training software, etc.
• In large enterprises, it includes those in small and medium enterprises in addition to business process management tools. For example you can present, train and meet online with up to 1,000 people at once with various software.

Ask the following questions when considering productivity software:

• How much do you use the features?
• Which features and functionality do you use and need?
• What is the complexity of the documents you use and produce and look at what level of support you need.
• What is your budget for the product and for support?

Office productivity software decisions should be based on the purpose of the learning or training need. Some of your guiding questions may include: How much do you use the office suite and what particular tools do do need? Which functionality and features do you need to have to be productive? What is your budget?

Additional resources for use with office productivity software