Excelets: A Learning Tool to Captivate the Google

Generation

Excelets: A Learning Tool to Captivate the Google

Generation

Scott A. SinexDepartment of Physical Sciences and

EngineeringPrince George’s Community College

Presented at MICCA 2007 Conference in Baltimore, MD on 24-26 April

…the Google generation?…the Google generation?• synonyms:

– Generation Xbox - iPod generation– instant-messaging generation– Internet generation

• quick answers and instant gratification• multitask or short attention spans?• cut and paste • no interest in Boolean logic for searching• navigate the web by trial and error

…and now how do we hold there interest?

“google generation” godwin

…so what do we do?…so what do we do?

Less pandering by instructorsand

more pondering by students

It’s time to “click and think”…

Why Excel and Excelets?Why Excel and Excelets?

• Ready off-the-shelf software and found in the workplace

• Great for handling, transforming, graphing, and analyzing data and developing mathematical models

• Now, what about developing interactive and dynamic spreadsheets as learning tools?

…so let’s ponder some questions

Why is pizza always cut in an even number of slices?

What if it were cut in an odd number of slices?

fractions.xls

What about counting coins and making change?

counting_coins.xls

How do the area and perimeter compare for a square and a rectangle?

area_perimeter.xls

How do the various temperature scales compare?

How do I determine the conversion relationships?

temperature_scales.xls

…and what do students get from Excelets?

…and what do students get from Excelets?

• Enhance technology skills with use of Excel for modeling data

• Engage in science process• Engage in algebraic thinking• Engage in higher-order thinking• Reeks of meeting national standards in

math, science, and technology

A learning tool with an engaging pedagogy!!!

…but can I do this?

How easy is it to develop an Excelet?

interactive_features.xls

The “How to” resources...The “How to” resources...

Developer's Guide to Excelets: Dynamic and Interactive Visualization with "

Javaless" Applets or Interactive Excel Spreadsheets

<http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets>

Tutorial, instructions, and a variety of interactive Excel spreadsheet

examples

Resource list for mathematics and science

More info...More info...

• Scott Sinex – ssinex@pgcc.edu• See course webpages and

publications http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex

• Webpages embedded in PowerPoint – get LiveWeb (http://skp.mvps.org/liveweb.htm)...and THANKS for coming today!!!