Chapter 8 - Spreadsheets

In this chapter Morrison and Lowther (2010) write about the different types of spreadsheets, their various functions, and how they can be incorporated as tools students can use to improve learning. Spreadsheets can be used to examine, analyze, interpret, sort, and discriminate both numerical and textual data. From these two broad categories, a seemingly endless list of possible topics for lessons emerges. Some examples of numerical data students can enter into spreadsheets are time, dates, measurements, percentages, decimals, fractions, and costs. Examples of text that can be sorted and studied using a spreadsheet include but are certainly not limited to names, addresses, genres, relationships, seasons, months, and nutrients.

In addition to the different types of data that can be examined in spreadsheets, there are numerous functions that can be performed. For example, students can use simple addition formulas to calculate totals. They can use division formulas to calculate percentages. They can also use formulas to calculate interest, growth, and success rates. Teachers only need to use their imaginations combined with knowledge of spreadsheet functions to allow students to become actively engaged in discovering patterns and concepts that will add depth and meaning to a lesson.

Another way that spreadsheets can enrich classroom lessons is through the creation of charts and/or graphs. Students can simply select the data and choose which type of graph or chart to create. The spreadsheet software will then automatically produce the specified visual representation. There are many different kinds of charts and graphs to choose from. Certain types of graphs and charts have specific advantages over others, depending on the objectives of the lesson. For instance, pie charts are useful when depicting percentages or parts of a whole (French, 2007). Line graphs can help students visualize the changes in data that occur over time (French, 2007). Scatter plots are beneficial when looking for trends (French, 2007). Using these different graphs and charts gives students a new perspective which deepens their understanding and facilitates their critical thinking skills. By seeing the data represented in this way, they are better able to analyze, interpret, and extrapolate their results in order to predict new outcomes.

As long as the objectives of a lesson align with a specific function of a spreadsheet, students can use formulas to manipulate specific variables in order to enhance their understanding of the content. Still another feature of spreadsheets is that the visual representations of data can change instantly when students change the data being represented. In this way they can generate simulations by interacting with the software. As students modify the data in their spreadsheets they can watch graphs change accordingly. As they continue to work with the data in this way they can hypothesize and make predictions about how the charts and graphs will react. This critical thinking exercise can lead to the development of ideas for future experiments (Morrison & Lowther, 2010).

References

French, T. (2007). Choosing the right graph: excel graphs and
       their uses. Retrieved from http://spreadsheets.about.com
       /od/spreadsheetlessons/ss/excel_graph_use.htm

Morrison, G. R., & Lowther, D. L. (2010). Integrating computer
       technology into the classroom: skills for the 21st century.
       (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson.