1. The Information Age Needs Spreadsheets

2. What are Spreadsheets? Tools for Managing Numbers in the Information Age

3. History of Spreadsheets v People used a pencil, eraser, and paper to arrange their numerical data into rows and columns. v Problems: – Lack of flexibility – Slow in calculation – Incapable of sophisticated modeling

4. Spreadsheet Software v Single-Purpose Software –VisiCalc –EXCEL v 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. v Learner Programs –The Cruncher (Davidson, Grades 5 up)

5. Major Advantage of Spreadsheets v Quickly performs calculations v Storage capability v Ease of the change of data v Accept formulas and functions as values v Neatness v Sophisticated numerical and financial modeling

6. Who Needs Spreadsheets? v Government/Business/Industry – Budgeting – Modeling Economic Trends – Managing Resources v Schools – Administrators – Teachers – Students

7. What Can Students Learn? v 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. v Practical Work With Formulas, Functions –Spreadsheets provide an ideal environment to apply mathematical concepts to “real-world” situations v 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

8. Teacher Adminstrative Uses v Grade Records –Create templates according to personal needs & style –Ease and efficiency of calculation and data revision –Convenience in saving student data v Class/Club Records –Track financial transactions –Model a projected situation –Make and keep performance records

9. Benefits for Students Mathematical Self- Confidence Flexibility Versatility

10. Spreadsheet Vocabulary v Cell: – each of the possible locations on a spreadsheet, specified by its row and column. v Label: – a collection of alpha-numeric characters used to identify categories within a spreadsheet. v Value: – numerical data. v Formula: – a function that describes the relationship between various values in the spreadsheet. v Template: – the design for a particular spreadsheet which contains all the labels and formulas. A data-free spreadsheet design.

11. Sample Spreadsheet Grid Cell Labels Values Cost $35.99 TaxTotal $2.79$38.78 Formula =C5+D5

12. Sample Spreadsheet Screen