2A_5 Activity 8: Integrating Spreadsheets with learning.

 

Spreadsheets are useful tools for individual or group work. Once students understand what a

spreadsheet is and the ease at which  variables can be manipulated,  they would see the effects of this manipulation.They are able to manipulate a spreadsheet by changing values in cells, and will also, perhaps, change formulas to see the effects. Graphs, based on the values entered in the cells, may be generated automatically. Students would also be able to understand the various uses of a spreadsheet in their daily task. They can be taught to get ready for the real world using spreadsheets to keep track of all sorts of things. They can also learn how to keep a list of bills, when they were received, when the bills were paid, and the amount paid. The spreadsheet can be arranged so that the bills are listed by month and by category such as utilities, groceries, clothing, health care, and so forth. This can be made into a year-round project. They could also be given a monthly “income” and a sheet of what type of bills to pay and how much they cost.

Overall, spreadsheets can be seen as a very effective learning tool which provides vicarious experiences for our students .