EDTEC 440: Introduction to Computers for Educators

Sample Syllabus

Sample Lesson

Introduction

Objectives

Directions for Working Through

Document Publishing

Using Document Publishing as a Productivity Tool in the Classroom

Your Task(s): Document Publishing Assignments

Spreadsheets

Using Spreadsheets in the Classroom

Your Task(s): Spreadsheet Assignments

Unit Project: Productivity Tools

Your Task(s): Spreadsheet Assignments

You have three tasks to complete for this lesson.
(1) Reading Assignment – Chapter 3 of Newby
(2) Spreadsheets Self-Check Assignments
(3) Online discussion of ideas for using spreadsheets in the classroom

Task 1

Read Newby to walk through the procedures for creating a simple grade sheet. You can create the spreadsheet using a desktop spreadsheet program (like Microsoft Excel) or use the online program available in GoogleDocs and Spreadsheets (see http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs_spreadsheets_start.html).

Task 2

Spreadsheets Self-Check Activities

Check your skills: Can you . . .

Level 1:

• Enter values and labels for a simple gradesheet?
• Create simple formulas for adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and averaging values?
• Make simple formatting changes such as creating boldface text?

Level 2:

• Use the Fill command?
• Make graphs and charts from data?
• Use more sophisticated formulas?
• Format cells so that values will be rounded to the nearest tenth?

Task 3

Sharing Ideas – Online Discussion: Ideas for using spreadsheets in the classroom

Based on your readings and explorations of the software, can you think of ways to use spreadsheets in the classroom? Let's share our ideas! For this activity, post at least one idea for how you might use spreadsheets in the classroom. This example should NOT be a gradebook. You can use existing online lesson plans if you are not creating your own example specific to your teaching/work context.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Spreadsheet Discussion discussion forum.
   
   
2. In the Subject field, type in a meaningful subject line for your posting, one that gives us a hint of your idea.
   
   
3. Next, type your idea into the Message field. Be sure to include
   
   
   • A brief description of the way you could use spreadsheets in your classroom
   • An explanation of how your ideas would solve an existing problem or enhance an activity.
     
     
4. Click on the Save button to post your message to the discussion forum.
   
   
5. Finally, review at least two of your peers' postings and provide them with meaningful feedback on their ideas. (Click on a posting to read it. Then reply to a posting by clicking on the "Reply to this message" link.) Your comments might address issues such as
   
   
   • How the idea could be enhanced
   • How the idea might be applied to a different content area
   • Your personal experience trying to accomplish a similar goal.
     

Please Note: Refer to your Course Syllabus for the due date for this activity.

Supplemental Materials

Here are some resources that you may wish to draw upon as you complete your tasks:

• Spreadsheet Features and Procedures
  
  
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/public/EdTech/Resources/SpreadsheetFeatures.html
  • Description: This document outlines general guidelines for creating a simple spreadsheet using ClarisWorks 4.0 for the Macintosh.
    
    
• The Spreadsheet Page
  
  
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.j-walk.com/ss/
  • Description: J-Walk and Associates maintains this Web site that professes to provide a central source for information about spreadsheets of all types. It includes a lot of helpful tips and links to many other Web sites that have spreadsheet info (organized by product).
    
    
• Apple Computer's List of Books About AppleWorks (formerly ClarisWorks)
  
  
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.apple.com/appleworks/users.html
  • Description: Apple Computer, owner of AppleWorks (formerly ClarisWorks) maintains this list of books available about this popular software.
    
    
• Microsoft's Software Tutorials
  
  
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.microsoft.com/education/Tutorials.aspx
  • Description: This is a nice collection of tutorial and guides for products like PowerPoint, Microsoft Works, Excel and Word. Also covers topics like "Managing Your E-mail."
    
    
• GoogleDocs and Spreadsheets QuickStart Guide
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs_spreadsheets_start.html
  • Description: A quick start guide for setting up your first document or spreadsheet using GoogleDocs and Spreadsheets.
    
    
• Ed Tech Program Office
  
  
  • Type of resource: Web site
  • Source: https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/welcome/edtech
  • Description: Looking for additional resources? Our Ed Tech Program Office contains a TON of resources related to the topics in our courses. Once you are on the Program Office home page, click on the "Ed Tech Resources" icon. From there you will see a table of contents. Click on the topic that interests you and the result will be a Web page full of information about that topic!

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