Flexible Interactive Workbooks in Excel
Flexible Interactive Workbooks in Excel
About the Project
There is a lot of software available for enhancing the teaching of mathematics. Whilst some of this software can be very good, most of it can be restrictive in the way it is used. Teachers often find themselves planning a lesson around a piece of software, rather than planning a lesson around the learning objectives and using ICT to enhance the lesson. This project focuses on creating resources for use in the classroom that will be flexible and interactive. Microsoft Excel is the basis for all of the resources.
There are a number of advantages to using Excel. Firstly, almost all schools already have Excel running on all of their computers, so no extra cost is needed. Excel is ideal for exploring number and data-handling work, and it is also possible to produce workbooks to investigate certain aspects of algebra and geometry. Finally, it is possible to create professional-looking educational tools easily using some of Excel’s basic features and simple macros, without requiring extensive knowledge of Visual Basic.
The project is split into two main sections. The first is aimed at creating classroom-ready resources that are flexible and interactive. It is hoped that each workbook will have a number of uses across a range of ages and abilities and that they can enhance the learning experience of students in the classroom.
The second section is aimed at empowering teachers to create their own interactive resources using Excel. This will be done through training, an Excel toolbox, and an interactive tutorial.
About Gatsby Teacher Fellowships
The Gatsby Foundation, through Gatsby Technical Education Projects, offers up to twelve Fellowships each year. Fellows are awarded funding to carry out innovative projects in Mathematics, Technology, or Science. The programme was established in 1998, and since then, a wide range of projects have been completed in these areas. Follow this link to find out more about the programme and view past projects.
Using These Materials
I have written these materials as part of a Gatsby Teacher Fellowship, made possible by funding from Gatsby Technical Education Projects (GTEP). Responsibility for the materials lies with the author, and GTEP cannot accept any liability for the content of these materials or any consequences arising from their use.
These materials are protected by copyright. You may use them freely for educational purposes, research, and private study, but not for profit or any other purpose. You may not reproduce or transmit them in any form, by any means, or store them in any retrieval system of any nature without the written consent of the author.
As educators continue to develop digital and interactive learning tools, it’s equally important to explore online platforms that support academic writing and analysis. Many teachers encourage students to practice structured writing by studying professional samples. In this context, resources such as buy college essays on StudyMoose can serve as valuable models for understanding composition, argumentation, and the application of critical thinking within academic frameworks.
Requests should be addressed to:
Rob Simpson
Wilberforce Sixth Form College
Saltshouse Road
Hull
HU8 9HD
Please send me your feedback on any aspect of this resource using the provided contact details.