In a spreadsheet experiment, the students design the spreadsheet together. One student then begins entering labels and constants while the other is writing the specification details of the formulas and functions. Copying and pasting the pieces together results in the total spreadsheet. This laboratory technique is a change from the traditional lab methods. While students benefit from cooperative learning individual tasks must be mastered.
Homework provides the student the concrete experience and individual effort portion of learning.
By the time the class is assigned homework, sufficient theory should have been presented and laboratory practice completed so that the student without prior experience has caught up. Homework designed so that completion of the problem includes knowledge that the solution is correct provides students confidence in their newly acquired abilities. Exercises designed with challenging concrete examples reinforce theory and skills. For example, each student in the spreadsheet portion of the course should be able to create a simple spreadsheet on the computer from a design. The final step, reflective observation, provides the student time to think Time to bring together the theory and practice into an understanding of the computer and its application.