Education is not the only sector of the economy to use spreadsheets and databases. The use of these tools is widespread in all industries since they provide efficient ways to organize, retrieve, and display information. Students using such tools will be bettered prepared for the workplace. But being able to create a spreadsheet, or input data into a database, is only half of the essential skill of spreadsheet/database proficiency. Students, our future workers, will also need to know how to analyze and interpret the data from the spreadsheet and database forms.
Back in the day, when I first starting teaching, I frequently used charts and graphs in my Social Studies and History classes. The causes of The Great Depression is in my memory as one of these lessons. The charts and graphs I used were either published in the textbook or provided by the textbook publishers in the forms of transparencies or handouts. How exciting are the times when students can actually create their own charts and graphs to use in the classroom! Students can actually create their own chart to analyze. Spreadsheet and database creation and management is a true 21st century skill that students can apply to easily to areas outside the classroom.
Before beginning to use spreadsheets and databases in the classroom, it is important to note that not all students prefer to learn and work with numbers. Spreadsheets, in particular, require students to have an understanding of formulas and functions. In order for such tools to not intimidate students into non-participation, Roblyer and Doering (2012) recommend easing students into the software by allowing ample time to practice and explore. (p.125) The end result will hopefully be a level of comfort that allows students to develop their mathematics and probability skills.
Reference
Robley, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (6 ed.). Prentice Hall.
Back in the day, when I first starting teaching, I frequently used charts and graphs in my Social Studies and History classes. The causes of The Great Depression is in my memory as one of these lessons. The charts and graphs I used were either published in the textbook or provided by the textbook publishers in the forms of transparencies or handouts. How exciting are the times when students can actually create their own charts and graphs to use in the classroom! Students can actually create their own chart to analyze. Spreadsheet and database creation and management is a true 21st century skill that students can apply to easily to areas outside the classroom.
Before beginning to use spreadsheets and databases in the classroom, it is important to note that not all students prefer to learn and work with numbers. Spreadsheets, in particular, require students to have an understanding of formulas and functions. In order for such tools to not intimidate students into non-participation, Roblyer and Doering (2012) recommend easing students into the software by allowing ample time to practice and explore. (p.125) The end result will hopefully be a level of comfort that allows students to develop their mathematics and probability skills.
Reference
Robley, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2012). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (6 ed.). Prentice Hall.