Week of November 13

This week we began learning to use spreadsheets. Although my lesson plans are done on a spreadsheet, I use a template that was given to me by another teacher. In fact, all of my spreadsheet use up to this point has been filling in templates done by others. I had no idea of the many functions of Excel. Being able to average grades with the click of a button is an incredible tool for teachers! I have been dedicated to my grade book for all of my teaching years because it is comfortable and easy. I still have mixed feelings about whether to do my grades on computer or the "old fashioned way," simply because I only teach one class of 11 students. By the time I enter the grades into the computer, I feel like I could just as easily average them with a calculator. I found this to be true when I was teaching full-time in the public school system, as well. For awhile, I did do my grades on the computer, but I found my eyes crossing trying to keep up with what row and column I was on, and it was time-consuming entering all the grades. This was over 5 years ago, however, and our grades were not turned in via the computer. I am just thankful that I know HOW to use Excel to average grades, should I decide to do so in the future.