Database and spreadsheet software are time-saving tools for managing behind-the-scenes classroom information (grades, class lists, budget, directories) as well for teaching mathematical and scientific skills such as organizing, computing, comparing, evaluating, and testing hypotheses. These programs essentially let you store information and manipulate it to make informed decisions. Please see suggestions from Teaching with Technology: Using Microsoft Excel in the Classroom. In my teaching experience I have not used this type of software extensively, but on the few occasions it has naturally integrated into the course content, the students are interested and in many cases amazed at its power and helpfulness. It takes some time for the novice learner to master the nuances of the program, but the benefits are varied and plenty.
Spreadsheets are flexible and easy to alter to accommodate changes in entry data or in calculations. Formulas can be used to make quick and accurate computations. Graphing wizards can instantaneously generate visual displays of data in the form or pie, line, or bar charts. Even if no numerical data is meant to be calculated, spreadsheets can help store and present qualitative information in an organized fashion. Rows and columns help teachers and students categorize and classify their subject matter. Neat and precise charts, graphs, timelines, and reports provide clarity and also may bolster student confidence. They even help students visualize numerical concepts, such as multiplication and percentages (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 125). This leads to an increased understanding of the applications of such potentially abstract concepts in the real world (voting, budgets, measurements, surveys, etc.). Overall, spreadsheets increase productivity for all users, regardless of purpose.
In addition to offering improved efficiency, accuracy, organization, and concrete learning, spreadsheet software can help learners model hypothetical situations and evaluate outcomes. As Roblyer and Doering point out, they support “what if” questions (p. 122) by automatically recalculating changes that a user may wish to test out. This promotes higher-order thinking skills and logical thinking and goes beyond routine and perhaps tedious arithmetic calculations. By being flexible, reducing the need for user-end number crunching, and displaying information in graphically appealing way, spreadsheets can be a motivating learning tool. They also allow for exploring real-world problems using real-world tools. These authentic contexts include probability, scientific investigation, business or financial explorations, or other measurement-based fields. Students can utilize mathematical reasoning to develop a solution and investigate the results. These data literacy skills are fostered by programs such as Excel or InspireData.
Overall, database and spreadsheet software offer visual, computational, and problem-solving advantages over traditional methods. Please visit my Projects website page that outlines four practical uses of spreadsheet software in the upper elementary science class, as well as a lesson outline for planetary facts in spreadsheet form: http://ericafuhry-edtech541.weebly.com/spreadsheetsdatabases.html
References
Investintech.com. (n.d.). Teaching with Technology: Using Microsoft Excel in the Classroom. Retrieved from: http://www.investintech.com/content/excelclassroom/
Roblyer, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
TeAchnology. (n.d.) Excel in the Classroom. Retrieved from: http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/excel/
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