Turning spreadsheets into graphs: An information technology lesson in whole brain thinking

Abstract

We have Concluded that teaching undergraduate students to use spreadsheet software to analyze, interpret, and communicate spreadsheet data through a graph is an information technology exercise in whole brain thinking. In investigating why our students have difficulty constructing proper graphs, we have discovered that graphing requires two different types of thinking: analytical, logical thinking for working with data and choosing the correct type of graph, and creative, holistic thinking to construct a graph that is aesthetically pleasing and accurately communicates the meaning of the data. Common graph types and their proper usage are discussed. To improve information technology graphing, we suggest instructors teach students to fully understand the data before deciding on a message to communicate, visualize the graph before using the software to create it, and focus on the “look and feel” of the graph.