The Information Age Needs
Spreadsheets
What are Spreadsheets?
Tools for Managing Numbers in the
Information Age
History of Spreadsheets
v
v
People used a pencil, eraser, and paper to
arrange their numerical data into rows and
columns.
Problems:
– Lack of flexibility
– Slow in calculation
– Incapable of sophisticated modeling
Spreadsheet Software
v
Single-Purpose Software
– VisiCalc
– EXCEL
v
Integrated Software
– LOTUS 1-2-3: combines spreadsheet with compatible graphics
and data base programs;
– Microsoft Works: combines spreadsheet with word processing,
data base, communication, and graphic capabilities.
v
Learner Programs
– The Cruncher (Davidson, Grades 5 up)
Major Advantage of Spreadsheets
v
v
v
v
v
v
Quickly performs calculations
Storage capability
Ease of the change of data
Accept formulas and functions as values
Neatness
Sophisticated numerical and financial
modeling
Who Needs Spreadsheets?
v
Government/Business/Industry
– Budgeting
– Modeling Economic Trends
– Managing Resources
v
Schools
– Administrators
– Teachers
– Students
What Can Students Learn?
v
Organization of Numeric Data
– Spreadsheet grids provide students with an organizational
pattern which helps them categorize data and arrange it into
labeled, ordered rows and columns.
v
Practical Work With Formulas, Functions
– Spreadsheets provide an ideal environment to apply
mathematical concepts to “real-world” situations
v
Projection, “What-if” Thinking
– Spreadsheets facilitate hypothesis testing and modeling in
different subject areas
– Spreadsheets encourage number play which can build
estimation, problem-solving, concept development, and
intuitive mathematical skills
Teacher Adminstrative Uses
v
Grade Records
– Create templates according to personal needs & style
– Ease and efficiency of calculation and data revision
– Convenience in saving student data
v
Class/Club Records
– Track financial transactions
– Model a projected situation
– Make and keep performance records
Benefits for Students
Mathematical SelfConfidence
Flexibility
Versatility
Spreadsheet Vocabulary
v
Cell:
– each of the possible locations on a spreadsheet, specified by
its row and column.
v
Label:
– a collection of alpha-numeric characters used to identify
categories within a spreadsheet.
v
Value:
– numerical data.
v
Formula:
– a function that describes the relationship between various
values in the spreadsheet.
v
Template:
– the design for a particular spreadsheet which contains all the
labels and formulas. A data-free spreadsheet design.
Sample Spreadsheet Grid
=C5+D5
Labels
Cost
Values
$35.99
Cell
Formula
Tax
$2.79
Total
$38.78
Sample Spreadsheet Screen