VaNTH-PER Workshop
June 2, 2004
The University of Texas at Austin
presented by
Barb Austin
Spreadsheets as Mindtools
from
Computers as Mindtools for Schools
by Jonassen
Three primary functions of
spreadsheets:
1.
Storing information
2.
Calculating information
3.
Presenting information
Why use spreadsheets?
1.
Automate repetitive computations
2.
Aid in “What if” decision-making:

3.
Speculation, forecasting & problem-solving
Allow learner to off-load cognitive
effort and focus on understanding
Key understanding:
“Mindtools” means using computer software
for the construction of knowledge
Pre assessment:
1.
What is Archimedes Principle?
2.
What instructional method did your teacher
use to teach it to you?
3.
A glass of water has three ice cubes in it. As
the ice cubes melt, what will happen to the
level of water in the glass? (Rise, fall, stay the
same)
“A body immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force
equal to the weight of the displaced fluid”
Learning activity
How are spreadsheets Mindtools?
1.
Learner must use existing “rules”, generate
new rules describing relationships &
organize information


Users identify relationships and patterns among data
Users must determine rules to describe relationships
2.
Learners build & test sample hypotheses
3.
Learners think abstractly
4.
Learners think more deeply as they develop
spreadsheets to describe content domains
How are spreadsheets
Mindtools?
1.
Computation, analysis, and reasoning
tools (p. 88-90)
2.
Mathematics comprehension (p. 90-92)
3.
Simulation modeling tools (p. 92-96)
Ways to teach using
Mindtools
1.
Teacher created spreadsheet:
Students explore & build knowledge about relationships (Exponential
growth)
2.
Students adapt an existing spreadsheet:
Students could change values or formulas
3.
4.
Given a relationship, students create a spreadsheet
Given data, students create relationships and a
spreadsheet
For all of these, students should extend activities with “What if”
explorations