Introduction to Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are powerful tools for information processing. They provide not only the means to store data, but also to manipulate it. Most educators use tools such as spreadsheets for the purpose of recording grades. Businesses and individuals rely upon spreadsheets to organize financial information and to perform calculations. Yet, as a tool for learning, the dynamic nature of spreadsheets allows us (and our students) to ask hypothetical or "what if" questions about the data. Hypothesis testing is a powerful inquiry process that is difficult to support without tools (such as spreadsheets) that allow for dynamic feedback and manipulation of variables.
Problems to Consider
- How can I keep track of grades and easily calculate differential weights?
- How can I use spreadsheets to create "what if" scenarios in disciplines other than mathematics?
- How can I represent my students' progress in formats that are easy for parents to understand?
Software Options
Possible programs that you might want to use include:
- Microsoft Excel
- AppleWorks
- Google Docs and Spreadsheets
Software Features
Spreadsheets have specific capabilities and features that include the following: (from Roblyer et al., 1996)
- Calculations and comparisons
Spreadsheets calculate and manipulate numbers through formulas—such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Most spreadsheet packages also incorporate special purpose mathematical formulae such as logarithms, statistical functions such as sums and averages, and trigonometric functions such as sines and tangents.
- Automatic recalculation
Once a formula is entered, the program will automatically update any changes made to the data. This feature is critical for supporting "what if" thinking.
- Formatting of data
Spreadsheets allow for easy formatting by copying cells and creating graphs from data.
- Time savings
Spreadsheets save valuable time by allowing us to make calculations quickly. Entries can be changed easily, with formulas automatically recalculating the changes.