Let's talk about technology. In Chapter 8, the authors discuss it often, urging you all to use graphing calculators and spreadsheet programs to create visual representations of the data discussed. To get started, please read this article: http://www.edzone.net/~mwestern/elemath.html
and give us your thoughts on the topic.
You may check out other websites, articles, teachers, and even your own past experiences for more information. Whatever direction you choose, let's have your post touch on technology in the elementary math classroom.
Can't wait to read your posts!
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15 comments:
I think technology is very important in the schools either being elementary or middle. I know the small learners need visual or hands on to make sense of what is being taught. It is important for them to be able to see something that is being taught and it probably will help them to retain the information taught as well.
I agree! I have seen the students in the lower grades use hands on equipment, such as cubes,links and bits. The children can feel the objects and then can visualize how the counting is performed. This alone, can connect more kids then just trying to figure it out from the book.
With the use of technology students can see real world applications of math. By using spreadsheets they can learn to chart data and make graphs. When they help to collect the information that is used in the graph they understand what it represents. If they use this information to draw conclusions or make decisions they can begin to appreciate the importance math can have in our daily lives. If students see for themselves the importance of math they will explore it deeper on their own and quit asking "when will I ever use this".
The direction that our classrooms are going, a teacher needs to incorporate technology into the classroom. As far as how much technology should be incorporated, I do not think it is something that the students should depend on, i.e. calculators. Students need to be able to math, to a certain degree without a calculator. However, if a teacher can use technology as a supplemental tool, to get the student’s more engaged and actively learning, I think the teacher should take that opportunity and run with it. Student’s need to have hands on learning, it gets them more engaged in learning and they will remember it longer.
Students do need the hands on learning. A hands on learning approach helps them to be able to retain what they are learning. I think students also get so much more excited, engaged in learning when it is hands on. Technology can be a great part of that hands on learning.
This is the idea I found interesting from the article: "Bring your class and a 35mm camera outside and take pictures of your students on the playground equipment, but do it systematically. Start out with one student on a swing, then two on the jungle gym, three on the slide, etc. The last picture will be of your whole class (however many that happens to be). After the pictures are developed, you can either set them up as a number center (match the picture with the number word) in a pocket chart, or assemble pictures plus words on a bulletin board or in a photo album for "reading."" I believe the more involved the student becomes the more they grasp the information. For me, working with ADHD children, I've seen that they need to do and not watch or listen. In this case you are actually having the children perform but also involving them in the slide show so it becomes more meaningful and personal. Students will remember moments like these. Then when the following year comes a long and they are learning about adding and subtracting they can remember a slide show or being in the photo. The article went further with giving options for older students taking the photos. That is even better making them create the number sentence with the photos! I would have loved this as a child!
Comment to Wendy: I completely agree! Teachers need to provide the technology in different areas. They need to show them when it is appropriate to rely on the technology and when it is more useful to use their brain. I know from personal experience my mother refused to buy me a calculator in 5th and 6th grade, even though it was on the supply list at the beginning of the year. Most adults rely on the use of technology and can't seem to remember how to do simple math. So providing children with the a wide array of technological and "brain" choices is a great way to provide for our future! :)
Amy R – I too like that whole article, I could see where I could use many of those activities in my classroom. I like the activity that you are referring to also. What a great activity and a simple activity that I could see the students absolutely loving!! It is an awesome way to get them involved in their learning. I can see this activity as them not even realizing they are learning. I am definitely going to “file” this activity for future use.
Kandace: I agree, I think that using manipulatives and providing hands on learning experience helps students see math as more concrete and "real" than a far off idea. I think students have a hard time visualizing some concepts completely, and need those physical objects in which they can use their eyes and hands to see and feel it for themselves.
Western makes some excellent points regarding technology in the classroom and how it can greatly increase student interest in learning math and enhance their overall experience. There are so many great software programs, online materials, and games that teachers can use to build excitement around math. Also in today's world there are more resources than ever to design things according to a person's specific tastes and needs, it's crazy! One thing I loved about this article, as others mentioned, was creating a math activity out of photography...I think any way to integrate such common technologies that kids use now such as a cell phone or a camera is a fun and creative way to keep them engaged and help them feel as though the information relates to the things in their world. Truthfully, the more I think about all the technology that is available today, the more I wish I could have used them when I was a kid! :)
I love the use of technology in any classroom, in any subject and especially in math. Math is technology. Spreadsheets, graphs, formulas, figures, and shapes. Introducing and using technology in the classroom today is key because so much of our world and lives are technology based. We educator's need to continue to learn and understand technology so we can stay on the up and up with our students in this world of technology. But, I also think as educator's we need to remember the roots of learning. Yes, use technology but also teach the basics to math so that students don't always rely on technology.
Jeff- I really liked your comment about how the use of technology in math can strike interest in students and can show them real life examples of math and technology used today. This is something that I wish my teachers would have done. I remember all through high school I hated math because I felt that I would never use the things that I was learning. So, from that experience I have learned to incorporate everyday math tasks into my classroom. Example: balancing a check book, percents on discounts or interests.
Comment to Wendy: I also agree that technology should not be depended on. There are only ways to figure out a problem other then punching numbers into a calculator and getting a magic number. Our students need to know how they have come to their answer. I can see using technology for something, because we are in the technolgy age, but lets not get away from the paper and pencil just yet.
Comment to ktborg:Incorporating everyday math skills into your classroom is a must. Students should learn how to balance a checkbook or savings account early on so they don't become so dependent on everything online. If you keep your checkbook balanced and the internet goes down you won't have to panic. Technology is a wonderful tool, but we have become so dependent on it for everything and we are lost without it.
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