Beginning rubric 5 - spreadsheets

This a continuation of the 2008 revision of the CODE77 rubrics - Basic level. An introduction is here.

V. Spreadsheet use (1995)
Level 1 I do not use a spreadsheet, nor can I identify any uses or features it might have which would benefit the way I work.
Level 2 I understand the use of a spreadsheet and can navigate within one. I can create a simple spreadsheet which adds a column of numbers.
Level 3 I use a spreadsheet for several applications. These spreadsheets use labels, formulas and cell references. I can change the format of the spreadsheets by changing column widths and text style. I can use the spreadsheet to make a simple graph or chart.
Level 4 I use the spreadsheet not only for my work, but have used it with students to help them improve their own data keeping and analysis skills.

V. Spreadsheet use (NETS I.A., I.B., V.C.) (2002)
Level 1 I do not use a spreadsheet, nor can I identify any uses or features it might have which would benefit the way I work.
Level 2 I understand the use of a spreadsheet and can navigate within one. I can create a simple spreadsheet that adds a column of numbers.
Level 3 I use a spreadsheet for several professional applications such as keeping a budget or analyzing student data. My spreadsheets use labels, formulas and cell references. I can change the format of the spreadsheets by changing column widths and text style. I can use the spreadsheet to make a simple graph or chart.
Level 4 I can import a spreadsheet into a word processing document or presentation program when needed. I use the spreadsheet not only for my work, but have used it with students to help them improve their own data keeping and analysis skills.

V. Spreadsheet use (NETS ?) (2008)
Level 1 I do not use a spreadsheet, nor can I identify any uses or features it might have which would benefit the way I work.
Level 2 I understand the use of a spreadsheet and can navigate within one. I can create a simple spreadsheet that adds a column of numbers. I understand the basic types of data that can be placed in cells: labels, numbers, formulas, and references.
Level 3 I use a spreadsheet for several professional applications such as keeping a budget or analyzing student data. My spreadsheets use labels, formulas and cell references. I can change the format of the spreadsheets by changing column widths and text style. I can use the spreadsheet to make a simple graph or chart. I can import and export data from a spreadsheet. I understand the difference between a workbook and a worksheet, and can create a workbook with multiple worksheets.
Level 4 I can import or link a spreadsheet into a word processing document or presentation program when needed. I can custom design a variety of graphs and charts. use the spreadsheet not only for my work, but have used it with students to help them improve their own data keeping and analysis skills. I can use cloud-based spreadsheets for collaborative and shared work.

This is an interesting rubric since in my experience, spreadsheets at their most basic level have changed very little since the days of Visicalc in the early '80s. It is among the easiest, most powerful, most feared and most underutilized tools in education. Or maybe I am just a latent math teacher.

Other time spreadsheet tasks? Next up: VI. Database use

Comments

[VWB]

Spreadsheets ARE my weakest link...they strike more than fear...more like sheer terror, BUT I have learned to use them pretty successfully...IF they have no figures...only text...and if I can work on them with no one looking over my shoulder.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi VWB,

I have always loved spreadsheets since they really allow me to "do math" instead of always working about my computation skills. (I never really learned all my multiplication tables!)

And, yes, everything is easier when no one is looking over one's shoulders.

Be brave - try some numbers. And walk on the wild side - add a formula!

All the best,

Doug