Chapter 8

Objective 4: Explain how a spreadsheet can be used as a communication and productivity tool.
It is essential to teach students about how a spreadsheet can be both a tool to learn about and to aid in learning. Multiple classroom activities are available that can help students learn about how spreadsheets work, but also teach lessons, such as multiplication or other mathematical tables. As a teacher, using a spreadsheet to record and calculate grades is an excellent way to save time. Since teachers are required to keep and up-to-date and accurate record of grades, using a spreadsheet will allow them to spend less time entering grades and completing calculations and more time assisting students or planning activities.
A spreadsheet is also an effective communication tool. Large amounts of raw data can be intimidating, but once it is grouped into a chart or graph the information it represents is much less intimidating and more useful. Having access to a spreadsheet that contains the student’s grades is an easy way to keep students and their parents up-to-date on their progress through the semester.

My question about spreadsheets in the classroom is what is the best way to differentiate instruction for students who are at a lower readiness level in regards to the spreadsheet?

In my future classroom I envision using spreadsheets primarily for organization and communication. I am not opposed to incorporating spreadsheets into my lesson plans, but at this time I am unsure of how I can adequately do so in a language arts class. Giving students and parents access to a spreadsheet that contains the student’s grades is an easy way to communicate throughout the school year. I currently use a spreadsheet for personal financial use and am excited about how I can incorporate such a useful tool into my classroom.