Electronic Proceedings
of the 12th Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics
Abstract for 13025
Spreadsheets
in Mathematics: Accessibility, Creativity, and Fun
Authors: Deane Arganbright
Affiliations: currently retired
Keywords:
A spreadsheet, such as Microsoft
Excel, provides educators with a
creative
tool for the study and teaching of mathematics,
mathematical
modeling, and mathematical visualization. It enables
students
to gain mathematical insights into a diverse range of
interesting
and significant applications in an engaging setting
while they
simultaneously acquire practical skills in using the
principal
mathematical tool of the workplace. This paper illustrates
novel ways
to use this powerful and accessible tool and its
outstanding
graphic features creatively in teaching a surprising
number of
mathematically oriented topics. Illustrations come from
such
disciplines as the physical and social sciences, statistics,
mathematics,
computer sciences, and the arts. The paper describes
how
Excel’s graphics can create eye-catching animated graphic
displays
and inject more fun into the study of mathematics.