2A 4 Activity 7 Spreadsheet as a Learning Tool

This activity focussed on using spreadsheet as a learning tool unlike self activity which used the spreadsheet for administrative purposes.  This activity had me thinking about incorporating spreadsheet into a lesson with the view of encouraging learning. It brought to the fore the idea of just in time learning which speaks to teaching a skill as it is needed to help with the learning rather than to teach a skill for use later. I am an advocate for the just in time learning because I have been a victim of the just in case learning.  I learnt a skill because it seemed like a good thing to do at the time even though I had no immediate need for it.  I never got to use it anytime soon, but when the opportunity arose, I had to learn the skill all over again. Learning ICT skills should be done in a meaningful way and not in isolation.

The idea of using spreadsheet in a lesson in a class with only one computer for approximately 40 students had me thinking of the situation that is quite likely in many of our schools especially when the computer lab is not available. The teacher would have to find innovative ways to teach the lesson and ensure that all the students learn the concepts being taught. The key is to this situation is to use the limited resources that might be available to get the job done effectively.