Computational Reasoning for Novice Learners: The Amazing Power of Animated Interactive

SpreadsheetsScott A. Sinex

Prince George’s Community College

Undergraduate Computational Engineering and Sciences Program Finalists’ Presentations at SC10, 13-16 November 2010

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Low-end of the computational food chain

Spreadsheets

Computer programming

Supercomputers

Teragrid

Amazing power!!!

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Why interactive spreadsheets?• Easy access for students and teachers and useful for them to know

• Easy for instructors to develop – see Developer’s Guide to Excelets

• Creates an engaging pedagogy in math and the sciences

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…more why?• Addresses topics conceptually, while

camouflaging mathematics– Students have to think:

predict - test - analyze

• Allows for mathematical modeling and studying errors– More science process– Mathematics resurfaces!!!!

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computational pipeline

Computational spreadsheets

…and just maybe

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Measure and build a mathematical model

Experiment model simulation

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Develop an understanding of the model

The physical and mathematical models

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Examine possible errors in the model

Explore the influence of a variety of random and systematic errors

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Burning a virtual candle model

Simulation model error

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Changing the approach

Examine the model in a different way

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Radiocarbon and age dating

Macroscopic and microscopic views

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The systems modeling approach

Systems model of production in atmosphere and radioactive decay

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Which do you prefer: Spring 07 Spring 09

static graphs in textbook 21% (6) 7%(2)dynamic graphs in Excel 76% (22) 89% (25)both 3% (1) 4% (1)

Using Excelets does not require that you be familiar with Excel. most definitely 7% (2) 25% (7)

I think so 38% (11) 36% (10)just barely 34% (10) 32% (9)not at all 14% (4) 7% (2)don’t know 7% (2)

Student feedback…

All Student Survey resultshttp://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets/assess.htm

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Excelets offer a more visual experience with graphs instead of using just the mathematical equations. most definitely 66% (19) 75% (21)

I think so 24% (7) 14% (4)just barely 10% (3) 11% (3)

not at all don’t know

Excelets make it easier to grasp or learn a concept. most definitely 55% (16) 43% (12)

I think so 31% (9) 54% (15)just barely 14% (4) 4% (1)not at all don’t know

more feedback…

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Post workshop survey…As you think back on the CAST program experience, which part(s) of the training were most helpful and why? Learning Excelets… Learning Vensim… Learning NetLogo…

Responses from 21 TEACHERS (out of 46) from three years.

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The “How to” resources...

Developer's Guide to Excelets: Dynamic and Interactive Visualization with "Javaless" Applets or Interactive Excel Spreadsheets

<http://academic.pgcc.edu/~ssinex/excelets>

Tutorial, instructions, and a variety of interactive Excel spreadsheet

examplesResource list for mathematics and

science

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My sincere thanks• SC10 and the UCES 2010 award

committee• My colleagues at

• Support from NSF for

Maryland Virtual High School

18excelets