Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Word features:
1) Synonyms (in the review tab)
2) Works Cited/ Bibliography (references tab)
3) Track Changes (this is for editing, review tab)

Excel features:
I took a Statistics class the first semester I attended Northwest and that honestly is the last time I used the program. I forgot all the shortcuts and codes that I learned in that class. I need to start using it again though! I can imagine it is good for finance and personal organization.

PowerPoint features:
1) Use the design tab to decide the color scheme of my PowerPoint
2) Use the animation tab to determine the format of my PowerPoint (how it closes and opens each slide)
3) Spellcheck (review tab for editing)

I could have a contest with my students to help them learn the different programs. For example I could split my class into groups of four and gave them a rubric for any type of Powerpoint, as long as they included different features from the program (such as narration, sound effects, animations, etc). This would help them get more comfortable with the PowerPoint program. For Word I could have my students edit each others papers in the computer lab using the features of Word. Like I mentioned before, I don't use Excel very much, so hopefully I will learn more about the program in class so I can use it in my classroom. There are many ways I can incorporate all three of these programs into my classroom.