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The Ups and Downs of Excel

Submitted by Renee Coronado ... on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 09:04

I have been teaching Microsoft Office Applications to seniors for the past two years and it seems no software program is subject to more "controversy" than Excel.

For those of you who don't know, Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program which allows users to sort, filter, add subtract, multiply, and analyze data. It can be extremely fun for people like me who rely on it to keep track of important events, schedules and donations. However for many seniors, especially those with no desire to return to the workforce, it's a confusing labyrinth of boxes and formulas.

So what do you think? Has any senior out there used excel outside of a class? Do you think it is worth knowing? Let me hear your thoughts.

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Excel

Submitted by hartlineat on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 17:30.
I would love to learn excel. Would you please teach me? I live at 89 & Amsterdam, but I can get to anywhere in the city with the subway. I am interested in writing, exercise, housing, and learning more about how to use my laptop and my phone, which is: 561-635-1330 Anna Hartline. I am 73 and have worked all my life - last job as a real estate agent. As you know there is not much money in that the last few years. I am going to get my NY license. Right now I am licensed in Florida. I just moved here March 26, 2009. Please give me your thoughts on how I can take classes with you.
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Seniors Computer Learning

Submitted by KristiMarieGott (not verified) on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 02:35.
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A former student replies

Submitted by Dolores (not verified) on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 19:32.
Well, Renee I have a sneaky suspicion that Microsoft Excel is like a Magic Garden with a Gated Entrance that requires a secret Magical Formula - or many secret formulas - to open. Though I haven't given up yet. One has to know the magic formula that opens the magic door - or that's how Excel seems to commoners-i.e., beginners, like me. It might help to have a real Excel project - as in real life - perhaps the student can select one from his/her real life and it also might help to give more course time to Excel, but again using the class for something the student really needs in his/her own life? (I have nothing against tourists and travel agencies, honest! It is just not an area I have ever been involved with ... But your Older Adult class was very good and you showed great resilience - and PATIENCE -with our learning process...THANK YOU.)
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