I believe that there are some applications that every student should have a basic understanding of before they leave the K-12 system. Here is what I believe (I have ranked my choice from 1-highest priority to 5-Lowest Priority):
1. Microsoft Word (word processors)
I believe that this should be one of the first programs taught to students. I would say around the 5-6th grade. This is an important software to master after learning how to type on computers and learning research methods. This would be a great reinforcement to those basic skills.
2. PowerPoint
I think this is the next step for students. This is a great way for students to express themselves and they can also reinforce their knowledge of word processors. This would be great for something like an 8th grade research project.
3. Excel
This should be right after PowerPoint (9th grade). This can help students gain a knowledge of organizing information on spreadsheets. A great project for this would be a make-shift budget.
4. Outlook Express
This should be used and learned in the 9th or 10th grade. This would be a great introduction to teaching students to organize and compose messages for others.
5. Access
This would be taught around the same time as Outlook. This a nice little program to know for making lists and learning how to organize and search for certain keywords in it.
This is how I feel about it and nobody can tell me otherwise 
Until next time,
Matthew Callaghan
