The innovative use of spread sheets for teaching and learning in an ODL environment

Abstract

The spread sheet is one of the programs that have changed the perception of computers from being a tool for programmers only, and then secretaries to a practically applicable tool useful in one’s everyday office experience. Spread sheets have a great potential and are greatly underutilised in educational institutions as a teaching and learning tool. This paper seeks to investigate the innovative use of spread sheets for teaching and learning in higher education, especially in an ODL environment. Focus is on the challenges the author has had when teaching mechanical engineering at higher institutions, including an ODL institution. The engineering field involves rigorous mathematical calculations. Learners go through routine, repetitive and iterative steps that might remove the focus of the learner from the key principles to be mastered. Learners can be introduced to design and other practical processes using spread sheets. Educators can also greatly benefit in designing modules for standard and routing calculations. In ODL institutions this becomes even more helpful as educators can quickly solve problems and give meaningful feedback to learners.