With spreadsheet applications, students, like Mike, who are turned off by tedious calculations and who need multiple representations of data, can now focus their attention on understanding the mathematical operations. Spreadsheet software is readily available. For many teachers, the issue becomes one of securing the hardware to run it. Even with only one computer in the classroom, Woodward has found that teachers can still use the approach. His solution is an LCD panel connected to a computer and overhead projector.
Teachers plan their lessons to be delivered with the entire group.
During instruction, students analyze the data and ask questions of it. As each question is posed, the teacher asks the spreadsheet to present the data. Eventually, students will analyze their findings and solve the problem. They typically lack the persistence necessary to memorize discreet pieces of information such as multiplication tables. As a result, these students often feel like information is being drilled into their heads with little appreciation for how the information can be useful.