Keep Your Stats in the Cloud! Evaluating the Use of Google Sheets to Teach Quantitative Methods

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Quantitative Methods
• Statistics Education

Background:

• Teaching quantitative methods presents challenges for instructors.
• Statistical software packages can enhance student learning in quantitative courses.
• Google Sheets, a cloud-based spreadsheet, offers basic statistical capabilities but lacks evaluation for educational use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Google Sheets as a tool for teaching undergraduate quantitative methods.
• To assess student attitudes towards using Google Sheets in an introductory quantitative methods class.
• To explore the relationship between student attitudes towards Google Sheets and quantitative self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• The study evaluated the pros and cons of using Google Sheets in a classroom setting.
• Student attitudes towards Google Sheets were assessed in an introductory quantitative methods course.
• Quantitative self-efficacy was measured to determine its relationship with attitudes toward Google Sheets.

Main Results:

• Students exhibited favorable attitudes towards using Google Sheets for quantitative methods.
• A positive relationship was found between attitudes toward Google Sheets and quantitative self-efficacy.
• Google Sheets is considered a viable program for introductory methods classes due to its features and student reception.

Conclusions:

• Google Sheets is a suitable program for introductory quantitative methods courses, supported by positive student feedback.
• Limited functionality may restrict Google Sheets' use in advanced quantitative courses.
• Future research should investigate third-party applications to enhance Google Sheets' functionality and its use in online learning environments.