How do I use Excel in the classroom

What is my tool?

Excel in the classroom

How can it be used?

Excel can be used in the classroom in several ways. You can use it to create a chart/graph during math lessons. Several grades have graphing as a standard. The students can survey their classmates on favorite TV shows, colors of candies, or interests and analyze data by looking at the numbers of each and then compare on a graph. You can also use Excel in science lessons. Students can use spreadsheets to perform calculations and display the results. Several other teacher or student uses are spelling/vocabulary lists, class roll, multiplication tables, database of states, presidents,etc..., and compare and contrast information. You can also create a poster in Excel.

Advantages

Excel is widely available and usually part of the Microsoft Office package so students have it available at school and home. Many businesses use Excel so it prepares students for the future.

Disadvantages

Excel has many advantages but can create challenges for the inexperienced user. It will complete basic math functions but does not handle algebraic functions. If you put the incorrect formula in, then all of your calculations will be incorrect. It is a spreadsheet tool and should be fine for most elementary needs.

Audience

The audience is most any age. Older students have a wider range of applications but children and adults can use it.

Where can we learn more?

Here are ideas from a teacher. More ways to use Excel including tutorials.

My opinion

Excel is available but I have not seen it used in the school districts that I have been in. I would like to see students use it more. Excel is used in the business world and I think that the education process should prepare students for the future. Excel give students the opportunity to think and analyze data in several formats.