\label{Spreadsheet_Authoring}

To use a spreadsheet in multiple courses, authors can create spreadsheet XML files in their authoring space. Published spreadsheets can be imported into courses. See \textbf{Loading a Spreadsheet Definition from a Published File} (\ref{Spreadsheet_Loading}). The spreadsheet syntax is illustrated by the following example demonstrating both text and formulas:
 
\begin{verbatim} 
<field col=A row=0>`Available Points:'</field>
<field col=B row=0>&SUM(`X*')</field>
<field col=C row=0>`Awarded Points:'</field>
<field col=D row=0>&SUM(`Z*')</field> 
\end{verbatim}

See \textbf{Modifying the Spreadsheet} (\ref{Spreadsheet_Editing}) for more information on programming cells. Very complex calculations can be performed in the cells. The file must be saved in authoring space with the extension .spreadsheet.  Currently, a spreadsheet must be imported into authoring space as a .txt file and then renamed to a .spreadsheet. After it is published with the .spreadsheet extension, it can be imported into a course.