A Framework for Developing Spreadsheet Applications in Economics

Abstract

This article presents a framework for thinking about the different types of spreadsheet modeling applications available for teaching economics. Spreadsheet applications are categorized by the degree to which students are involved in the spreadsheet’s construction and the degree to which students are involved in the mathematics of the model. Examples of applications from each category call attention to the high degree of flexibility that instructors have in designing spreadsheet applications and suggest alternative ways that the instructor can tailor applications to fit his or her specific instructional style and setting. Although the costs associated with developing spreadsheet applications are significant, the authors believe that the costs are manageable, even for instructors who are new to spreadsheets. They conclude that the advantages imparted to students by carefully tailored spreadsheet applications are significant, and they hope to encourage the development and use of such applications.