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.)