160 likes | 363 Views
Section IV: Using Problem Solving Tools to Enhance Learning . Chapter 10: Spreadsheets. Frameworks: What we know. . . . What is a spreadsheet and how is it used? Computerized record-keeping initially designed to replace accounting systems
E N D
Section IV: Using Problem Solving Tools to Enhance Learning Chapter 10: Spreadsheets
Frameworks: What we know. . . • What is a spreadsheet and how is it used? • Computerized record-keeping initially designed to replace accounting systems • Originally designed and most commonly used in business accounting • Rules-based tools that require learners to write rules and identify relationships • Powerful tool for K-12 to increase cognitive skills such as problem solving • Useful in answering “what if” questions
Basics: Ways to Use • How can teachers use Spreadsheets? • Instruction • Used in math classes • Used in other classes when there is a need to generate numeric information and graphs • Creation of interactive spreadsheets for practice or assessment of content • Record keeping • Tracking and calculating grades • Budget for clubs and organizations • Tracking classroom inventory
Basics: Ways to Use • How can students use Spreadsheets? • Learning activities • Track data • Rainfall, temperature, climate change, etc • Analyze data • Population growth, income distribution, census information, etc • Create charts and graph • Record keeping • Calculate grades • Personal budget • Tracking CD inventory
Basics: Software Options • What are the software options for spreadsheets? • Proprietary • MS Office - Excel • Word Perfect Office - Quattro Pro • Apple iWork - Numbers • Open Source • Open Office 3.1 - Spreadsheet application is Calc • Web-based • Google Spreadsheet • Zoho Sheet • Thinkfree Office
Basics: Spreadsheet Organization • How are spreadsheets organized? • Worksheet • Grid of columns and rows that intersect to form cells.
Basics: Spreadsheet Organization • Columns • Vertical divisions - Labeled with letters across top • Rows • Horizontal divisions - Labeled with numbers down side • Cells • Intersection of columns and rows. Create the cell address such as A10 • Active cell is the cell being used
Basics: Spreadsheet Organization • Formula Bar • Sometimes called the data entry box….where the data is entered • Address Box Located at the left of the formula bar, identifies the active cell
Basics: Spreadsheet Capabilities • How can the information be manipulated? • After the data (labels or values) is entered and complete, the data can • Perform calculations - Using • Formulas: set of instructions that tell the computer what to do • Functions: formulas that are most commonly used such as sum and average • Cell range: grouping of cells for calculation purposes (A4:A10) • Fill down/across: copying the formula to other cells in the column or roll
Basics: More Spreadsheet Capabilities • How can the information be manipulated? • After the data (labels or values) is entered and complete, the data can • Format data • Alignment • Sort • Create graphs from the data • Create reports
Basics: Interactive Spreadsheets • What are interactive spreadsheets and how can they be used in learning? • A variation in designing spreadsheets. Logic statements and formulas are used to make data interactive for student input. • Serves as practice • Serves as assessment • Self grading for immediate feedback • Can be used in all content areas • Can be used to differentiate and individualize instruction
Voice from the Classroom • Visual Learning Software in the Curriculum • Allison Watkinson, MS • Content Specialty: Math and Computer • Former math teacher and technology coordinator. • In this Voice, Allison Watkinson, a retired inner-city teacher and tech coordinator in TN., explains the use of interactive spreadsheets in various content areas. She describes how the use of interactive spreadsheets, for practice and quick assessment, resulted in higher scores on standardized tests.
Adapting for Special Learners • How can spreadsheets be adapted for use with special learners? • Do not exclude special learners in general education classes from working with spreadsheets. • Great way to enhance learning for gifted learners • Students with visual disabilities can adjust the screen • Students with cognitive disabilities can be aided by screen readers. • Students with physical disabilities can use keyboard adjustments, mouse adjustments or touch screens.
For more information • Go to the textbook companion website: • http://www.pearsonhighered.com/obannon2e • Or http://web.utk.edu/~bobannon/preparing