A Tool for Language Teachers: A Spread (Use of the) Sheet

Abstract

The commercial packages known as spreadsheets, like Lotus 1-2-3 and Microsoft Excel (we use here Microsoft Excel for Windows), are among the most versatile, universal and broadly diffused personal computing tools. But, excepting for obvious purposes like accounting, file management and some kinds of mathematics, spreadsheets are not being widely used in educational environments. This is particularly true for the languages domain, mostly because they are viewed as belonging to a different world—a world of numbers, databases and charts. Two examples of very straightforward uses of a spreadsheet in the languages domain are presented: they are both applicable at various levels and scopes. Two other examples of easy utilization are referenced, and a discussion is made of some topics that emerge naturally and are related to educational software and strategies for its development.