The Information Age Needs Spreadsheets
What are Spreadsheets?
Tools for Managing Numbers in the Information Age
History of Spreadsheets
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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
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Single-Purpose Software
– VisiCalc – EXCEL
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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.
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Learner Programs
– The Cruncher (Davidson, Grades 5 up)
Major Advantage of Spreadsheets
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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?
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Government/Business/Industry
– Budgeting – Modeling Economic Trends – Managing Resources
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Schools
– Administrators – Teachers – Students
What Can Students Learn?
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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.
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Practical Work With Formulas, Functions
– Spreadsheets provide an ideal environment to apply mathematical concepts to “real-world” situations
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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
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Grade Records
– Create templates according to personal needs & style – Ease and efficiency of calculation and data revision – Convenience in saving student data
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Class/Club Records
– Track financial transactions – Model a projected situation – Make and keep performance records
Benefits for Students
Mathematical SelfConfidence Flexibility Versatility
Spreadsheet Vocabulary
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Cell:
– each of the possible locations on a spreadsheet, specified by its row and column.
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Label:
– a collection of alpha-numeric characters used to identify categories within a spreadsheet.
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Value:
– numerical data.
Formula:
– a function that describes the relationship between various values in the spreadsheet.
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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 Values Cost $35.99 Tax $2.79 Total $38.78
Cell
Formula
Sample Spreadsheet Screen