Tech Skill: Spreadsheet

Spreadsheet is programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data. Spreadsheets help users manage numbers, in the same way that word processing helps manage words. In regards to benefits for teachers, knowing how to word spreadsheet can be a useful tool in saving time with calculations. Once you have the formulas set into the correct cells, you can whip through a whole class in no time whether it's entering grades or working on a departmenal budget. Not only does spreadsheet do calculations, it also organizes display of information. This can be helpful in making any type of table for schedules or attendance lists. Lastly, spreadsheet helps support the asking of "what if?" questions quickly and easily. It's easier for teachers to visualize the impact of changes in numbers.

For students, spreadsheet can help with underlying concepts involving numbers. It can also supports the need for concrete representation for clarification. When implementing spreadhseet into a math or science class, students can focus more on higher level concepts rather than focusing on the arithmetic functions. Students can create timelines, charts, and graphs that require them to store and calculate numbers. Personally, I use spreadsheet for organizing the budget for the LOTE department. I will use it to collect order requests as well. I have used it to create large vocabulary lists, though I find Word better in terms of appearance.