I have used spreadsheets in the past, but for small and not very in-depth worksheets. I have never really used the formulas, or went much past using a budget. The closest I have come to using formula is the AutoSum button.
I have created graphs from Excel, but that is really the only program I have ever used to create spreadsheets. This came in handy pretty much for my technology classes in college and high school. I have not, since then, ever used that function or knowledge. It was done purely out of the need to complete the assignment.
The mind trick that is played with the spreadsheet we had to manipulate and find the formula was actually a lot harder than I thought It would be. It seemed to be much like a suduko puzzle, which it is. It was just harder than the usual as there are sums to the columns and rows.
The receipt formula was another challenge for me. The idea of changing one number to make the other amounts change was hard, but way cool. That way of cooking would be so easy!!!! I would love a computer program that would have all the cooking amounts on formulas so I could simply put in the number of people who will be eating and then it will tell me how much to use of each ingredient.
With these spreadsheets there really is a use for them, outside of class assignments. Once a person is able to put in the formulas so they work, the possibilities are endless! It just takes a bit of time to learn how the programming works. Trial and error is a great way to learn.
Mike,
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Getting beyond simple organizational tasks and utilizing the calculation capabilities of spreadsheets is quite enlightening. There are many authentic tasks the students can engage in, and they are intrigued by the process of it all.
I like how you had to work your way through the logic of the formulas. It is a challenge.
Spreadsheets are convenient for things like that. I often find myself using a spreadsheet instead of a calculator, since I can put in the formula, then just plug in the numbers.
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