Flexible Interactive Workbooks in Excel
About the Project
There is a lot of software about 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 looking at number and data handling work, it is also possible to produce workbooks to investigate certain aspects of algebra and shape and space. Finally it is possible to create professional looking software easily using some of the basic features of Excel and using macros without much experience 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 over a range of ages and abilities and that they can enhance the learning 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 interactive tutorial
About Gatsby Teacher Fellowships
The Gatsby Foundation, through Gatsby Technical Education Projects offer up to twelve Fellowships each year. Fellows are awarded funding to carry out an inovative project 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.
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Requests should be addressed to:
Rob Simpson
Wilberforce Sixth Form College
Saltshouse Road
Hull
HU8 9HD
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