Spreadsheets

This past week we took a look at Google.doc spreadsheets in the class. I use Excel to create my library schedule of when classes come in for library class as well as check out times. I have it scheduled in 15 minute intervals. It's easy for me to update, and that happens a lot during the first quarter! I liked the review we were given. I'd taken a class years ago, and it's amazing what you forget when you don't use it often. I could see the applications for creating a library spreadsheet for each area of the Common School Fund monies. For those of you wondering what that is, a set amount is given to each school based upon the third Friday in September enrollments, and this money is given for the purchase of school library books, newspapers, magazines, computer software, audio-visual materials, and reference materials. Each one has its own budget code. A spreadsheet set up for each code, using the "subtraction" feature, would let me know how much money was spent, and a total of what is left to spend.
Another use would be to keep track of circulation statistics; how many classrooms came in per week as opposed to what's been signed up to come. Almost always there's more classes coming in than what's assigned.
I was a little frustrated in setting up the sum feature in Google.spreadsheets, through my own fault. I consistently wanted to click on the row containing the data, rather than the empty row, to enter the formula. Once I got it right, it went smoothly.
I liked the magic square idea, but again, was getting frustrated finding the "magic" number! With a little help, it went faster. I can see where people can get addicted to playing with it. We're all competitive and like to think we're smart enough to figure it out!