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How to use spreadsheet applications

est. 90min

 💡 After this training:

  • The learner knows how to choose and use spreadsheet applications.

  • The learner is able to make spreadsheets and use calculation formulas in calculating data.

👀 How to coordinate this training:


1. Demonstrate and explain

Watch the video, or you can demonstrate the spreadsheet applications of your choice using the list of features, which help you plan how to explain them step-by-step.

2. Discussion questions and check everyone's answers together.

Discuss the following topics together:

  • Have you used a spreadsheet application before? What have you used it for?

  • For what purpose can it be used?

3. Exercise

Check the instructions below, or here is a short explanation. 1) Select one (1) spreadsheet application and open a new document. 2) Create a spreadsheet in accordance with the model and instructions. 3) Save the spreadsheet document on your device or cloud service.

4. Additional exercise

Use a cloud service like Google Drive or OneDrive, create a folder, and move the document to it. Share the document with the trainer. Watch the video on how to use Google Drive or Beginner's Guide to OneDrive for Windows demonstrate it on your computer.



Materials needed:

💻 Computer

📲 Mobile phone

Account for a spreadsheet application


✨ Digital skills training about using spreadsheet applications



Microsoft Excel


Video language 🇬🇧


Materials in Finnish 🇫🇮

Google Sheets


Video language 🇬🇧


  • Plain language material 🇫🇮 Tervetuloa digitaloon! (KVS Foundation)  Click "Siiryy taloon" > Choose item 8 "Syventävät opinnot" > 2 "Taulukkolaskenta"




Basic Excel Vocabulary 📑

Term

Simple Explanation

Spreadsheet

A file made up of rows and columns used to organize and analyze data.

Workbook

The entire Excel file that can contain one or more spreadsheets (worksheets).

Worksheet

A single page or tab within a workbook.

Cell

A single box where a row and column meet; where data is entered.

Row

A horizontal line of cells, numbered on the left side (e.g., Row 1, Row 2).

Column

A vertical line of cells, labeled with letters at the top (e.g., Column A, B, C).

Cell Reference

The name of a cell based on its column and row (e.g., A1 = column A and row 1).

Range

A group of selected cells (e.g., A1:A5 = cells from A1 to A5).

Formula

A calculation written in a cell, starting with = (e.g., =SUM(A1:A5)).

Function

A built-in command in Excel to do specific tasks (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT).

Vocabulary-related materials in Finnish


List of features for demonstrations 📄

Basic Spreadsheet Management
  • New spreadsheetDemonstrate how to create a new spreadsheet from the main dashboard or File menu.


  • Save & Save AsShow the difference between “Save” and “Save As” and when to use each one.


  • Open existing spreadsheetWalk through accessing and opening a saved spreadsheet.


Basic Cell Input
  • Typing and editing in cellsShow how to click a cell, enter data, and press Enter or Tab to move.


  • Deleting content from a cellDemonstrate using Backspace/Delete to remove data.


  • Undo/Redo changes

    Use the Undo and Redo buttons in the toolbar to fix mistakes.


Core Formatting Tools
  • Change text size and font

    Highlight a cell or range, then modify font and size from the toolbar.


  • Apply bold, italics, underline

    Show how to use formatting icons for emphasis.


  • Cell alignment (left, center, right)

    Demonstrate aligning text using alignment tools.


Organizing Your Sheet
  • Using simple formulas (SUM, AVERAGE)

    Show how to type basic formulas like =SUM(A1:A5).


  • Sorting and filtering data

    Demonstrate how to sort columns alphabetically/numerically and apply filters.


  • Creating basic tables or borders

    Use borders or table formats to make data more readable.


Naming and Saving Files
  • Renaming spreadsheet clearly

    Walk through how to rename the spreadsheet for easy identification.


  • Saving progress often

    Emphasize saving frequently while working (or auto-save feature if available).


  • Closing the spreadsheet properly

    Show how to safely close the file and exit the application.




Instructions for the exercise

  1. Choose a spreadsheet application and open a new worksheet.

  2. Type texts and numbers to the worksheet according to the model above.

  3. Boldface texts according to the model.

  4. To the total row add borders according to the model.

  5. To the E-column calculate the total for each badge. Use formulas.

  6. To the row 9 calculate the total for january, february, march and total columns. Use formulas.

  7. Boldface numbers in both the Total row and the Total column.

  8. Save the spreadsheet to your own device or on a cloud service.

  9. Return your spreadsheet according to badge application´s instructions either as a file or as a link.


Task description for using and managing spreadsheet applications (TIEKE)




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