Scaffolding Math Learning With Spreadsheets

Niess, M. (2005). Scaffolding math learning with spreadsheets. Learning and Leading with Technology. 32(5) 24-25, 48.

1. Create two questions that you might ask regarding this article. Then respond to them.

Q1 How can you use spreadsheets in classrooms where computers aren’t necessarily available due to funding?

A1 It of course would not be possible to use this technology without a computer. It would be helpful to find a lab that has computers in your school you could use for a week or so to teach this lesson. Even if you have to start with the very basic level of computer knowledge, and math computations, it still would be rewarding to learn these skills.

Q2 Could these skills and spreadsheets be used for anything besides math?

A2. Spreadsheets can be used in many different ways in almost every classroom. The most obvious way is in Math. You can use spreadsheets to enter information and make graphs. Excel will even do the computations throughout the cells for you. However, it can also be used in other subjects as well. In History you can use it to organize information by dates. For example, you can enter the Presidents and when they were in office and Excel can put them in order for you. In geography you could list countries and their population, or size. In Language Arts it could be used to organize a story with corresponding pictures or artwork. In Science it can help you with your findings by graphing, or just by organizing your data.