How to Use Spreadsheets With Students

Spreadsheets contain cells that are organized into columns and rows. These cells can calculate mathematical functions and are useful in calculating numerical data. However, spreadsheets are not exclusive to mathematics or finance; they can allow users to make charts and other graphs from the data. Spreadsheets offer numerous possibilities for use in any classroom, since there are many features offered. Teachers can integrate spreadsheets into their classroom to engage students with computer-based instruction.

• 1

  Set up the required hardware and software for your students to use spreadsheets effectively. If you only want to present information using a spreadsheet, make sure that you have a computer and projector to present information in a table. However, if you want your students to use spreadsheets, make sure that your classroom is equipped with enough computers. You may have to put students in groups, if there are not enough computers for each student. If you want each individual to have his or her own computer, you should contact your school's computer lab or library to sign up your class for a certain day and time.

• 2

  Construct a lesson plan that involves spreadsheets. Using spreadsheets in a course other than one on computer software should focus primarily on course content. Spreadsheets can function as a means of teaching or supplementing a lesson, but the lesson must first be established in order to do so. This means that teachers should create a lesson plan about a specific section of their curriculum and integrate spreadsheet usage into the lesson, not create a lesson based on spreadsheets and later incorporate course content.

• 3

  Prepare your lesson. Whether you are familiar with how to operate spreadsheets, make sure to practice your lesson ahead of time to ensure that everything will go as smoothly as possible when it is time to actually deliver your lesson.

• 4

  Demonstrate spreadsheet usage. It is unwise to assume that all students know how to use spreadsheet software. Therefore, make sure you show the class how you want them to use the spreadsheets, and what goals you wish them to accomplish. It is also important that you emphasize the course content and the spreadsheet's role in helping to supplement the course content, so that students can see how the spreadsheet activity fits into the larger context of the unit.

• 5

  Have students use the spreadsheets. If you simply want to display information to students using spreadsheets, provide a hard copy of the data for the students. If you want the students to engage in using spreadsheets, provide hands-on activities that the students can complete. These activities should be directly connected to the course's content area and should be challenging, but engaging, for the students.