Spreadsheets for Learning

Sample Programs / Sites

• Google Spreadsheets - enable multiple users to work simultaneously
• EditGrid - like Google Spreadsheet, but more like Excel in its approach
• Microsoft Excel - an offline traditional spreadsheet program
• Open Office Spreadsheet - a freeware alternative to Excel

Category: Mindtool

Spreadsheets fall into the basic category of mindtools, because they fundamentally transform the way that students use computers for learning.  Unlike passive technology or basic word processing, a mindtool is a type of technology tool that helps the students analyze, synethesize and construct learning. 

Classroom Uses

Math

• Statistical analysis
• Learning about which types of graphs to use
• Advanced math
• Budgets

Reading

• Analyzying elements of literature among various books - seeing trends
• Keeping a reading log
• Creating visuals for analytical writing

Science

• Collecting and analyzing data
• Lab write-ups
• Comparing / analyzing trends among different experiments
• Charts for astronomy
• Physics labs
• Science Fair projects - part of the analysis

Social Studies

• Budgets (see math) for Economics
• Community Needs Assessments for service learning
• Political polls and survey analysis
• Statistical analysis for war casualties
• Using it in a Problem-Based Learning activity

Writing

• Organizing pre-writing (for students who prefer something linear yet flexible)
• A log for research papers - allowing students to create categories and sub-categories
• Adding visuals to the creation of analytical and functional text