...a spreadsheet programs/software

Answer by Des Howell
Submitted on 10/12/2006
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A spreadsheet is basically a computer program that can be used a) Like a piece of paper b) Like a hand-held calculator, and c) Like a programming language. The word "like" is a very important part of this definition which I personally find rather liberating, particularly when I am using spreadsheets as "Mindtools" in the classroom to "scaffold" the construction of knowledge in the questioning minds of my students. The worksheet you are presented with is a virtual piece of paper - try changing the widths of rows and columns after you have typed words and numbers onto a real sheet of grid paper! The data you record does not necessarially have to be in the form of tables of facts and figures. Actually, each cell in the worksheet can operate like the screen in a hand-held calculator. (Try typing something like =245/5.) So it works like a calculator with thousands of screens. Most spreadsheet teachers, particularly if their teach adults, ignore this aspect of spreadsheets in their rush to make their students competent in spreadsheet programming. Traditionally, a programming language allows you to give your computer a list of instructions to follow. You can interpret what you put into spreadsheets like this,if it helps you to understand them. CELL INPUT A1 (=)245 A2 (=)5 A3 =A1/A2 In practice, spreadsheets are often used to describe or model the mathematical and logical relationships that exist in the problem situation. Most spreadsheet programs are designed to calculate the implications in their most efficient order.

Answer by Des Howell
Submitted on 10/12/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
A spreadsheet is basically a computer program that can be used a) Like a piece of paper b) Like a hand-held calculator, and c) Like a programming language. The word "like" is a very important part of this definition which I personally find rather liberating, particularly when I am using spreadsheets as "Mindtools" in the classroom to "scaffold" the construction of knowledge in the questioning minds of my students. The worksheet you are presented with is a virtual piece of paper - try changing the widths of rows and columns after you have typed words and numbers onto a real sheet of grid paper! The data you record does not necessarially have to be in the form of tables of facts and figures. Actually, each cell in the worksheet can operate like the screen in a hand-held calculator. (Try typing something like =245/5.) So it works like a calculator with thousands of screens. Most spreadsheet teachers, particularly if they teach adults, ignore this aspect of spreadsheets in their rush to make their students competent in spreadsheet programming. Traditionally, a programming language allows you to give your computer a list of instructions to follow. You can interpret what you put into spreadsheets like this,if it helps you to understand them. CELL INPUT A1 (=)245 A2 (=)5 A3 =A1/A2 In practice, spreadsheets are often used to describe or model the mathematical and logical relationships that exist in the problem situation. Most spreadsheet programs are designed to calculate the implications in their most efficient order.

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Question by nsopialda
Submitted on 9/19/2003
Related FAQ: comp.apps.spreadsheets FAQ
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what is a spreadsheet programs/software

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