Post #3: Documenting a Day

For a recent course assignment, I documented a full day in my life, my 30th birthday, using three types of application software: a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a presentation tool. Each program allowed me to organize, present, and reflect on how I spent my time in a different but valuable way.

I began with Microsoft Word to create a journal-style entry detailing the day's events. From my early morning workout to family dinner and evening meditation, I used Word's formatting tools, including bullet points, bold headings, and alignment, to structure my thoughts. The platform made it easy to reflect on the experience in a clean, readable format.

Next, I used Microsoft Excel to calculate the duration of each activity and visualize how my time was distributed. I applied formulas such as =SUM() to total my hours and =B3/24 to convert time values into percentages. I also created a pie chart to present my 24-hour day in a visual format. Excel helped me better understand how I balanced tasks, rest, and personal time throughout the day. According to Chatvichienchai (2023), spreadsheet software like Excel plays an essential role in helping users efficiently retrieve and analyze data, which enhances understanding and decision-making.

I then created a PowerPoint presentation that outlined key moments in a slide-by-slide format. Each slide highlighted a specific activity, such as preparing breakfast, attending appointments, or spending time with loved ones. I incorporated brief descriptions, consistent slide design, and transitions to keep the presentation informative and visually engaging.

Each application served a distinct purpose. Word allowed me to express the details of my day in writing. Excel helped me organize and analyze time data. PowerPoint allowed me to present my experience in a creative and professional layout. Among these, Excel was the most effective for this assignment because it provided structure and insight into managing my time.

These tools are helpful in academic settings and practical in everyday life. Word is ideal for writing letters, notes, or professional documents. Excel is a powerful resource for tracking budgets, schedules, and goals. PowerPoint is an excellent tool for delivering presentations at work or in school. Using these applications has enhanced my ability to manage and communicate information clearly in personal and professional settings.

Reference

Chatvichienchai, S. (2023). Empowering database manipulation skills: A holistic approach integrating user-friendly database tools and spreadsheet software. 2023 5th International Workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Education (WAIE). https://doi.org/10.1109/WAIE60568.2023.00032