Spreadsheets
The ability to manipulate numbers through programs such as spreadsheets can
be credited, in part, with establishing the microcomputer as a viable tool. Lagging
microcomputer sales were boosted after the introduction of spreadsheet
programs. Over time, workers discovered additional uses for microcomputers
that increased their productivity. Also, keep in mind that as with other types of
software applications, the basic concepts of spreadsheets remain the same from
program to program.
As a productivity tool
Spreadsheets are mostly used as a productivity tool. For example, a teacher can
easily calculate the grades of a few students using paper and pencil. But
increase the number of students or complexity of the calculations and the
benefits of a spreadsheet program become more obvious.
For example, if final grades are determined by weighted scores such as: 25 % for
tests, 25% for pop quizzes, 25% for a group project, 15% for a report, and 10%
for attendance, the teacher must calculate each grade using the formula of:
.25(test) + .25(quizzes) + .25(project) + .15(report) + .10(attendance) = final
grade.
Even though this formula is not hard to compute, image if you had to do it for 25,
50 or even more students. Once a spreadsheet program has been established it
can easily perform these calculations without error. All the teacher is required to
do is input the individual scores. In addition, once a program has been set up, it
can be re-used by simply deleting old data and entering new data.
Other Uses
Spreadsheets can be used when numerical data needs to be recorded and
calculated. Attendance rosters, for example, can be recorded using the value of
zero (0) for absent and one (1) for present. The real benefit of using a
spreadsheet for this use becomes obvious when statistical information is needed.
For example, a teacher can quickly calculate for one student, or an entire class,
the average attendance or number of absences for any period.
Instructional uses
Spreadsheet programs can also be used in the classroom. A business teacher
might have students studying cost-profit margins enter different variables into a
spreadsheet to quickly calculate the their impact on profits.
