Module 2A-4, Activity 8: Integrating spreadsheets with learning

27-01-12

Frustration with spreadsheet

I can't believe we've made it through spreadsheet!!!

First we had to use spreadsheets for administrative purposes

Then in using graphs

Also we had an overview of spreadsheet as a learning tool

Ultimately we had to acually integrate it with learning

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

What I think about integrating ICT with learning?

I think that after my frustration of trying to grasp the spreadsheet concepts, that it was absolutely "FUN" to have students actively engaged with technology in such a way that they are able to produce information on topics without feeling bored of having to just read from a board and write in their exercise books different class assignments/tasks and homework activities.

I believe that ICT enhances learning as it continues to stimulate students and make them feel more a part of their learning as they explore the aspects of various computer software.

Module 2A-4 Activity 7: Spreadsheets as a learning resource

21-01-12

Activity 7 was in two parts. The first part was challenging for me, however the second part was even more so.

Students will benefit from using spreadsheet in class by being able to record information from various sources in different forms, whether in a table, graph or chart.

In the case of statistical or numerical data they may be able to have formulae for certain calulations, for example finding means, averages, standard deviations, etc.

However spreadsheet could be used as a database to store information that may be represented in codes and saved in a workbook that is a codebook, etc.

As a result my impressions of the value of a spreadsheet as an educational tool is that it has alot to offer to students and teachers alike in the development of technical skills and general knowledge on how to represent information.

Part 1 of activity seven gave an example of how a teacher used spreadsheet to bring out the concepts of number and range in mathematics using spreadsheet as a learning tool.

Part 2 of the activity was my turn to do the same. Show how I would use spreadsheet in a big group in a computer room. I was very shaky in producing this activity. However as a summary it is an activity in which the students will have to work independently on their computers to record information from their pilot questionnaires using spreadsheet, focusing on the cell concept of spreadsheet. In addition to that codification and categorization which will later help them to further analyse data.

I think that I need to practice somemore in this area.

Module 2A-4 Activity 6A: Using Graphs in the Classroom

13-01-12

Using Graphs in the Classroom

I found this activity just as challenging like the last one. Due to the fact that it was to use spreadsheet to produce a graph. On the other hand I actually enjoyed doing it, because I embraced the idea that I was also to use it as an activity in which the class would learn information within their subject area.

As a result, spreadsheet poses to be a wonderful challenge that will help to improve the teaching learning process while it enhances my personal development.