Teaching with Technology – Zoom and Excel
2025
2 min read
Teaching with Technology: Zoom-Based Modeling and Forecasting with Real U.S. Data
To enhance data analysis skills in Intermediate Macroeconomics, I delivered a Zoom-based workshop that taught students how to model, interpret, and forecast U.S. economic performance using real-world macroeconomic indicators.
1. The Plan: Bridging Theory and Application
Many students understand growth theory abstractly but struggle to connect it with actual economic data. My objective was to close this gap by:
- Introducing students to exponential growth models, regression-based forecasting, and growth accounting,
- Using real U.S. GDP, capital, and employment data from 1948–2023,
- Making students apply these models themselves using Excel during a live Zoom session.
This approach targeted the learning outcomes of:
- Understanding long-run growth patterns;
- Using macroeconomic models to interpret real-world policy contexts;
- Applying basic econometrics.
2. Implementation via Zoom
During a live Zoom session:
- I shared my screen while walking through the GDP trend analysis using exponential and polynomial models,
- Students followed along in an Excel file I distributed beforehand,
- I introduced how to linearize the exponential model using natural logs and walked them through regression estimation inside Excel,
- We discussed the interpretation of coefficients and forecast accuracy using U.S. real GDP and growth rates.
Here is a screenshot of the Excel visualization shared with students:
Figure: U.S. Real GDP (1948–2023) and Forecast Using Exponential Trend
3. Outcomes and Reflection
Students reported higher confidence in applying theory to data. In follow-up surveys:
- Over 80% said this session helped them better understand the link between models and macroeconomic realities;
- Several included model-based forecasts in their final course projects.
What worked well:
- The step-by-step walkthroughs with screen sharing;
- Real-time Excel edits allowed students to immediately test model changes;
- Interactive discussion via Zoom chat on regression interpretation.
Challenges:
- A few students had difficulty replicating Excel regressions due to software version differences;
- Some Zoom connection issues slightly disrupted continuity.
Future Plans:
- I plan to prerecord these modules to allow students to pause and rewind;
- I’ll also offer template files with embedded formulas to lower technical barriers;
- For assessment, I plan to build a companion quiz inside Canvas that checks model comprehension.