Summary of the Semester

Well, it is the end of the semester and we have covered several different technologies and how to use them in the classroom. In this last blog, please briefly talk about your experience in this class, specifically addressing some of the topics: what did you learn the most about; what technology do you think you will utilize the most; has your view of technology changed as a result of this course; and how will this course benefit you?
Hopefully, as you look back on the semester, you will see a benefit of the topics we have covered, both technical and pedogogical. I wish you the best in your teaching career.
(Blog due by May 5th.)

When are we going to use Statistics?

How many times do we here our students say, "When are we going to use this?" What would you say to your student who is rebelling on your 4th review of how to calculate the standard deviation. How would you convince them that what you are teaching them is important? Be sure to include references if you use other sources. (Due March 31st)

"Pitfalls" to Teaching Geometry Dynamically

From our experience in geometry classes, we can see how using dynamic diagrams to illustrate geometric theorems and results can be very helpful in teaching students. However, there are several challenges to using this technlology in the classroom. I would like you to access the article http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/profmd/pitfalls.pdf by Michael de Villiers. In this article he addresses several "pitfalls" to using software to teach geometry. After reading the article and reflecting on it, blog about 1 or 2 points that impacted you and might change the way you use geometry software in the classroom, or, address another pitfall that you might be aware of and comment on that pitfall.

Will Technology Force Job Cuts?

At a recent Mathematics conference, during one of the technology workshops, the instructor (a high school math teacher) demonstrated some technology that presented the lesson to the class (think video recording) while he went around the room checking homework. So, he had the benefit of teaching the students AND checking homework (which we know is so time consuming!) at the SAME TIME! However, he did point out that such technologies will eventually replace mediocre teachers. Why should a school district hire more math teachers when excellent teachers can be recorded and classroom administrators can proctor the class? What do you think about this statement? Do you agree that mathematics teachers are in danger of being replaced by technology? What will you do to ensure that your job is not replaced?

Experience Shapes our Approach

Without a doubt, our teaching style is impacted by teachers we have had in the past. Whether we had an excellent teacher that we strive to emulate, or an ineffective instructor from whom you learned "how not to teach," we have formed a notion in our minds of how one might be an effective teacher.

This week I would like you to reflect on your experiences with learning mathematics with the assistance of technology. Journal (blog) about a time where technology helped you, or someone else, understand a mathematical concept that seemed abstract before using the technology. This should preferably be an event of your own, but it may be the experience of someone you were teaching. Then share how this event might shape how you approach the use of technology to teach mathematics in the future. Be specific (but not long-winded!); explain your thoughts in detail so that we may learn from your experience. (Note: Let's use positive experiences here. We'll journal about negative experiences at a later date.)

Beginning to blog

Mat 520 - Spring 2008

Advances in technology are occurring rapidly. As mathematics instructors, we must remain current in the technology that is available to our students. We will be able to interact and communicate with them if we can talk to them in ways that are familiar to them. Technology should not be used for the sake of technology, but only when it makes learning more effective.

During this course, we will use one area of technology that is used frequently by students to communicate with each other. We will be blogging weekly our discoveries with the technologies that we are exploring. We will be sharing what we have learned in this environment so that each person in the class can benefit from every one's experiences.

Please note that everything that is shared in this blog is posted publicly on the web, so you must use "netiquette" when posting. Make sure to give credit if using anyone else's material and provide a link to any materials that you use directly in your blog. Please keep comments professional and restricted to beneficial comments for the author and readers.

I hope you find this format enjoyable and helpful. You will be given more instructions as we continue with the course. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or difficulties with this requirement of the course.