Topic 6 - Tech Skills: Spreadsheet

You can use a spreadsheet to set up tables of just textual information, its real usefulness lies in its ability to calculate formulas - and recalculate them automatically when values change. Spreadsheets are great for budgets, financial statements and other tasks that require calculations.

However in a classroom setting, spreadsheets can be used for numerous things. Some of the ideas that I have come across in my research are:

1. Use a spreadsheet to record and maintain classroom tasks. Assign classroom tasks or leadership roles to students, and use the spreadsheet to track which student has performed which task and/or held what leadership position.
2. Have a class representative record group points for end-of-week or end-of-month bonuses. The group that earns the most points, as shown on the spreadsheet, gets a reward, such as a pizza party. Have the class representative announce the winner. Consider awarding points for solving a difficult math problem at the board, volunteering to read or working together as a team.
3. Use a spreadsheet to track attendance. Explain that you will award a prize for perfect attendance. Include a row for each student, and mark any absences on the spreadsheet. At the end of the semester, award a prize to any students with perfect attendance.
4. Use a spreadsheet to determine whose turn it is to feed a class pet. Assign a new student per day, and post the spreadsheet so the students can track who is supposed to feed the pet each day. Include where the food is stored and how much food should be provided. Have each student confirm with a checkmark that he has followed the instructions correctly.
5. Use a spreadsheet to track lessons that lead up to a big test or end-of-semester exam. Post the spreadsheet in the classroom, and encourage the students to reference the spreadsheet to prepare for approaching lessons as well understand the direction of the course material. Provide the lesson topic, page numbers, sources for additional study materials and vocabulary.

The main funcation of spreadsheets is for numerical computations or storage. It is best used in this manner. If you have a need for storing and organizing words or concepts read my Topic 5 blog.