ComponentsAndFunctions Modeling:Computation, Analysis, and Reas

Modeling

Advantages And Limitations With

Modeling:MathematicsCom
Spreadsheet
s

EvaluatingSpreadsheets Modeling: Visualization

Modeling:Simulation

Brenda Martinez
William Rackley
Enoc Velasquez
Components and Functions
The term “spreadsheet” once referred to pages of accounting that generally meant a
ledger with up to twelve columns and possibly 60 lines. These pages were used to
summarize transactions that would then be summed in order to be entered into
ledger account books. Large corporations would have entire libraries filled with
volumes of account books to store their accounting history. With the advent of
then personal computer accounting became compact, easier to use and produce
analysis.

As is stated in the textbook, programs were created to eliminate the cumbersome

accounting systems that had existed for eons into a ready form which allowed for a
universe of new abilities. VisiCalc and Lotus were heralded as being the most
revolutionary accounting tool since the advent of the T-account. With these
programs spreadsheets of hundreds of columns and lines of text could be created.
Not only were these spreadsheets vastly able to summarize transactions but could
also be linked together. The manner in which the link was such that the change of
one number or line flowed from on spreadsheet to the next changing not only the
numbers but also the analysis.

Computation, Analysis, and Reasoning

It was only a matter of time before the classroom use of spreadsheets began to
show its true worth. By the introduction of macro’s to the programming, logic
formulas could be used to create spreadsheets that allowed for decision making
analysis and a broad scope of educational tools. An educational tool like the
spreadsheet now allow students to view information in one location and plants the
seed of knowledge that has the ability to grow into a storehouse of learning
possibilities.
With the advent of computers, the spreadsheet programs made it possible to
condense large quantities of information all the while linking specific cells to other
spreadsheets, statements and ledgers. Analysis became a bonus for the use of these
systems by the use of macro’s, formula’s and command words.

Mathematics Comprehension
Spreadsheets began as a tool for number crunching and analysis but has now
expanded into the world of decision making. The use of “if” statements further
increased the value of spreadsheets as mindtools for logic problems. This can
allow the student the ability to change information at one point and view the results
immediately. Like a off/on switch the logic command can redirect the end results
to a completely new and informative answers.

As an example: Given the following information and allowing only questions that
result in a “yes” or “no” answer solve this riddle.
If a man rises each morning at 5 a.m. to dress for work and have breakfast.
At 7 am he leaves his 15th floor apartment for the elevator where he presses the 1st
floor button. Upon arrival in the lobby he exits the west entrance to the apartment
building, turns north and walks the 15 blocks to his job as an accountant on the
5th floor of a 45 story office building. At 5 p.m. he takes an elevator to the lobby
then upon exiting the building turning south to walk the 15 blocks back to his
apartment building. Upon entering the elevator he presses the 5th floor button.
Exiting the elevator on the 5th floor he begins the ten floor climb up the stairs to his
15th floor apartment. He does this 5 days a week. Why?
There is a logical answer to this problem. You are allowed to ask questions to
further investigate but the only answers you will be given will be: Yes or No.
Visualization
Spreadsheets are more flexible tools because they are able to animate numeric
phenomena. Spreadsheets help the learner visualize numerical concepts through
graphs and charts. Using spreadsheets can aid in analysis and computation of
various concepts and scenarios.

Simulation Modeling-Evaluating Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets were developed as
a replacement for paper-based
systems that most efficiently
stored, calculated, and presented
information. Very time efficient
and organized, and offered an
automatic calculator.

Visualization, The evaluation of

computation, an effective
analysis, spreadsheet based
simulation & on consumer and
reasoning. user of tool.

Overall, spreadsheets are extremely

versatile and although considered a basic
modifiable tool it can produce accurately
The idea of a spreadsheetand
may seem very
efficiently broad
when and open
solving for some and perhaps
quantitative
very limited and narrow problems.
for others. (Jonassen
The spreadsheet
pg.130)is a tool in form of a grid,
which in all reality, is basic and concise and yet doesn’t seem to have many
barriers when dealing with numbers. A tool that once catered directly to the
accountant is and has been an effective asset for the business fields and convenient
enough for the everyday budgeter. Jonassen believes that the spreadsheet offers
three primary functions which consist of storing, calculating and presenting
information all of which link onto other functions a spreadsheet may produce.
(Jonassen pg.118) Through mathematical data the spreadsheet may be utilized and
linked into forming graphs and charts which open the door for better visualization
and presentation. (e.g. Jonassen pg.124) Even more so, spreadsheets are used
within the athletic realms and daily utilized within the fields of Exercise and Sports
Science and becoming most useful in fields which never made use of the
spreadsheet.

Evaluating Spreadsheets
Evaluating a spreadsheet isn’t based on the information alone, but moreover, how
effectively the user of the tool conveyed information through use of a spreadsheet.
Many factors are used to evaluate the effectiveness of a spreadsheet such as the age
and abilities of the creators.

Accuracy Organizati
Effect of Variable on of Data
ive in
Sprea Experimen Graphs/C
d- harts
Accuracy Controlled
sheet enhance
Of variables
understan enhance
formulas reasoning (if
used)

Advantages and Limitations of Spreadsheets for Modeling

Since spreadsheets are used for calculations several cells are set to determine a
total value. For that reason, if one cell value changes, all of the other values that
depend upon it will change automatically. Spreadsheets are advantageous because
they are easy to adjust and modify. Users are able to learn this type of application
because they do not need to know any complex computer programming language.
Users can easily use this powerful program without having to know the actual
programming language. Nowadays spreadsheet programs are freely available, for
example, even Google Docs has a spreadsheet application or most computers have
Microsoft Excel. Another advantage for more experienced users is that
spreadsheets are capable of assisting in decision making and problem solving.
Spreadsheets are often used in what-if analysis. Furthermore, spreadsheets have
tools to visualize quantitative relationships through graphs and charts. When
students learn to create spreadsheets, they are learning the fundamental logic
implied by the calculations. While spreadsheets are a resourceful tool, it is mostly
useful in solving quantitative problems in areas such as math, science, and
economics. Spreadsheets are not as useful in very many other fields of instruction.