The effect of using Microsoft Excel in a high school algebra class

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of integrating Microsoft Excel into a high school algebra class. The results indicate a slight increase in student achievement when Excel was used. A teacher-created final exam and two Criterion Referenced Tests measured success. One of the Criterion Referenced Tests indicated that the variability of the students scores were reduced considerably in the class using Excel, indicating that possibly an interest in the course was generated and that students’ interests were spurred by the use of the software. An opinion survey indicates an overall improved feeling about algebra when using the software to supplement instruction.