Most of us interact with Microsoft applications amid the drudgery of the 9 to 5 workday. Every year, however, a group of elite students gathers to test their skills with Microsoft Excel. Ranging in age from around fourteen to around eighteen, champions from countries around the world gather to find out who is the Microsoft Office Specialist World Champion. In a grueling test concocted by masters in the field, the students prove their understanding of the program and its history with an exam before they’re given a mystery creative challenge. While dozens participate from countries across the world, only one can be the World Champion.
Posing as a sports documentary, Spreadsheet Champions walks us through the experiences of six competitors in this competition as they prepare to leave and while they attend. This aspect is really fun and interesting, giving viewers a chance to get to know the students behind an unusual international competition. The narrative is frequently interrupted by moments from computer history, expert statements that sometimes have only a tangential connection to the students’ competition, and discussions about how important spreadsheets are to a functioning society. While these sections provide additional context, they can occasionally pull attention away from the competitors themselves.
The sports-doc stylings become less effective when the students begin the competition, as much of the action consists of shots of them plucking away at keyboards accompanied by repetitive, stressful music. This can give the documentary a somewhat scattered feeling, particularly for general audiences unfamiliar with the competition. That’s not to say Spreadsheet Champions is a bad documentary; it's not. Its greatest value may simply be with the more specialized audiences most likely to appreciate its subject. Those who are interested in competing in this competition will find the students’ experiences very helpful, and high school computing students will likely find a showing of this documentary a nice treat. For general audiences, Spreadsheet Champions may have more limited appeal, but for computing students, Excel enthusiasts, and those fascinated by unusual international competitions, there is plenty here to enjoy. Strong Optional Purchase.
How can educators use this Microsoft Excel documentary in the classroom?
Spreadsheet Champions is best suited for high school technology, computer science, business, and career-readiness courses, particularly those that teach Microsoft Excel or other workplace software. Following teenage competitors as they prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship gives students an unusual look at just how advanced spreadsheet skills can become and how those skills translate into competition. While the documentary may be less effective as a general educational film, it could be a fun supplemental screening for students already learning Excel or preparing for Microsoft Office Specialist certification.
Which audiences will get the most out of Spreadsheet Champions?
Spreadsheet Champions has fairly specialized appeal, but viewers interested in competitive academics, technology, Microsoft Excel, and unusual competitions may enjoy seeing spreadsheet skills treated like an international sport. It will be particularly relevant for teenagers considering the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship and students who want to see what high-level Excel proficiency looks like in practice. Public libraries may find general interest limited, but the film could work well for teen technology programs, computer clubs, or patrons who enjoy documentaries about niche competitions.
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