Teaching Tip: Spreadsheets

Many teachers are unfamiliar with the workings of common spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel or Open Office Calc. Although it can be quite beneficial to learn how to use this powerful tool. Spreadsheets are excellent for storing data, but the real power comes in the calculation and charting/graphing capabilities. Some of the ways teachers use spreadsheets include:

• storing grading data
• creating charts and graphs for classroom display
• having students analyze data collected in research or experiments

Here’s what teachers say about how they use spreadsheets:

• “I use Excel for budgets, as well as to collect student details like average age, height, total height of class, sports, etc for research projects to demonstrate charts and graphs.”
• “I use Excel to teach inventory control, using calculations and graphs”
• “We use it for basic accounting/budgeting/check book applications when we make music videos and research the business end of the music industry”

Got a great teaching tip, lesson or resource that uses spreadsheets? Please let others know about it here!

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: Introduction to Technology for Teachers