Scaffolding Math Learning with Spreadsheets

Niess, M. (2005). Scaffolding Math Learning with Spreadsheets. Learning and Leading with Technology.(32), 5, p 24-26.

How does utilizing spreadsheets to scaffold math learning meet the National Educational Technology Standards?

By utilizing spreadsheets to support the learning of mathematical concepts, students are able to explore technology as a means of researching and solving authentic problems. Moreover, by grouping the students in spreadsheet math exercises, students can use software to collaboratively come to a solution. In addition, using spreadsheets in math lessons provide an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate how their knowledge of spreadsheets can transfer to other productive and useful means. Moreover, spreadsheets can be a vital aid to students’ organization of study material, schoolwork, and other aspects of their educational and professional life.

What is another example of how technology can add to a lesson in mathematics?

Excel is an excellent tool for creating various charts with accuracy; as opposed to having the children attempt to draw out a chart, teaching the students to make a chart in Excel would provide the perfect opportunity to teach an avenue of technology that would assist the children in their mathematical understanding, as well as, their professional development. Depending on the exercise, the students may demonstrate their creativity and decision making skills by having a choice in the chart made, along with all of the other design components involved with a chart, such as color and dimension. In addition, the students could collaboratively develop their own math word problems that could be explained by their charts, which would give them a chance to strengthen their leadership and social skills. Real world scenarios and issues may also be explored and solved by the students through the use of excel charts. Excel can be an extremely powerful technological educational tool for mathematics.