In our resources this week, the use of a spreadsheet program was discussed in relationship to working with students on creating a project to demonstrate learning. Although I teach English and would find limited use in this program, I can see how it would be extremely useful in a science or math class.
From the constructionists point of view, students learn best when they are creating or building something to share with their classmates or even a larger audience. By using Excel, students are not only learning the facets and capabilities of this program, but they can also use the program to enter data an analyze information. With so much technology readily available with the click of a button, it seems ridiculous to spend so much class time with a pen and paper in hand when students can input information and within a short time have data available to analyze! The program is just the vehicle to learning, coming to their own conclusions, and deciphering their data. From that information, students can then move on and create something bigger and better based on that information.
This type of project also supports the constructivist theory by allowing students to come to their own conclusions and create their own meaning based on the information at hand. More specifically, allowing students to make and test hypotheses gives students the opportunity to do the same. They can determine what they would like to focus on based on the given information.
Excel is a great tool to use for many different subjects. As a math teacher, I believe once the students begin to understand processes, the applications that can be used be Excel are great. As much as we can do with technology students are still tested using pencil and paper. Teachers need to evaluate each situation and make sure the students understand the information and be able to do calculations without the use of the program. I could see where some of my students would be able to find an answer using Excel but if I asked them to calculate the same problem on paper they would struggle.
ReplyDeleteAs stated, Excel is a good tool to use with students. I also teach English and find this tool limited in my subject, but still think there are some ways I can use it in the classroom, to an extent. I was thinking about using Excel to graph vocabulary scores on quizzes and tests. Not sure if it would be successful or not because they would just be using Excel to monitor and not really solve any problems.
ReplyDeleteCaryn,
ReplyDeleteExcel would be great to graph scores on quizzes and tests. There is a problem to solve -- how to get better scores! There's really no constructivist approach, it's definitely enlightening for the students!
Excel has never been a program that I have used too much. I think part of that reason is because I have never taken the time to sit down and explore the program. I know I would learn much more about Excel if I worked with another person/co-worker. I learn best by doing and watching others. Just like the constructivist theory suggests.
ReplyDelete