I like to consider myself somewhat mechanically inclined when it comes to computers and software. Combined with my obsessive-compulsive nature, I greatly enjoy exploring software and figuring out how it all works. And, quite honestly, I usually manage to get a pretty good grasp of things by the time I'm through and ready to share the software with my students.
This isn't always the case, however, when it comes to working with Excel and spreadsheets. I don't know what it is about them: perhaps it's that I don't work with them enough or that when it comes to mathematical equations, I'm easily confused. Whatever the case may be, I always feel insecure about working with spreadsheets, although I would love to know more. And even though I teach the basics to my 5th and 6th graders, I tend not to delve too deeply because typically they, too, are easily confused. In addition, I don't find spreadsheet software, such as Excel, to be kid-friendly, with, perhaps, the exception of InspireData (makers of Inspiration and Kidspiration). Finally, I have yet to really grasp how to manipulate a graph. Boo hoo for me, I guess.
With all this "baggage" in mind, I assumed I wasn't going to be thrilled with this week's topic of exploring spreadsheets, but I discovered that it was fine. Of course, I didn't have to do anything too complicated, so that helped, but I think it was more than that. For someone who doesn't work regularly with spreadsheets, Google Docs spreadsheet was perfect because of its simplicity. Everything was so nicely laid out for me that I didn't feel overwhelmed with a ton of options. Maybe this ease of use might be a major complaint for those of you who really understand the intricacies of spreadsheets, but I liked it. In fact, I'm thinking that Google Docs might be a great way to introduce spreadsheets and formulas before moving onto the much more complicated Excel. Perhaps I could use the recipe assignment as a good way to begin working with formulas.
Along with the spreadsheets, I did enjoy checking out NetTrekker and found the spreadsheet lesson plan to be very useful. I like things narrowed down and the fact that NetTrekker is for educators. There are numerous educational sites out there, but not all are helpful. I also liked my ability to plug in the readability when searching. I found not only lspreadsheet esson plans but several tutorials as well. I'm always having trouble finding tutorials for younger students. I'm hoping I'll be able to incorporate these next month when I move into spreadsheets with my 6th graders.
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I also really liked the layout of the spreadsheet. Excel is over powering and can make it difficult for users. Google eliminates a lot of the clutter which makes it easier for everyone. By getting students comfortable with Google Docs Excel, an instructor should be able to switch over to Microsoft Excel for some of the more advanced features.
ReplyDeleteKara,
ReplyDeleteI think we are not far apart when it comes to spreadsheet comfort levels. Surprisingly, we are probably not far apart when it comes to student aptitudes either. I also thought the Google Docs spreadsheets were a nice alternative to Excel. There are less bells and whistles with Google Docs, but there is also less to confuse the beginner. I never thought that the experienced Excel user might be less impressed with the lack of options with Google Docs spreadsheets. My students, like yours, can become easily frustrated. Google Docs spreadsheets might be a nice starting point to measure students' abilities concerning spreadsheets.
I also like the search capabilities with NetTrekker, but I had a difficult time finding a spreadsheet lesson that would be meaningful for my students. Yet NetTrekker does offer viable options that I could use in the classroom, and these options can be tailored to meet the needs of the my diverse learners
It is nice to see things through a different lens and find that they are less intimidating and in the profession we are in more compelling for student work - Keep it up!
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