Starting to Emerge

Our school doesn’t seem to incorporate very much technology into any classroom, let alone the math classes. Our scores are low, and it seems to be a struggle to get the kids to learn the basics. This next year is going to be a bit of a change, I hope one of many. Instead of the 5-6th graders only having a 50 minute block of math each day, they are going to have a 100 minute block to split between both math and social. This extra time give the teachers a little leeway in planning out projects and activities that require more time. I am always passing on new ideas to the current math teacher and am excited that she has taken a few of my suggestions. The kids have been into the computer lab to graph results from surveys that they have taken, and to practice for their MCA’s by using both Study Island and Pearson. I currently work with a grade teacher who is always trying to incorporate technology and computers into her classes. I know the ideas in the article are something she will embrace, and am thrilled to pass onto her.

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When writing your original post, make sure to click on "New Post" in the upper right corner here.

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Connecting Math with Technology

I love how the article starts out saying, "Math is such a large part of the school day- and technology can enhance what you're already doing." This statement is so true! I loved how the teacher in this article has incorporated using charts, graphs and pie charts into their daily routine activities. For example, the ongoing spreadsheets are done on the computer by graphing the results on the computer. It's a another way to bring technology into the classroom instead of just coloring the results on a graph piece of paper. This is a skill that they can use in their daily lives. The digital camera is another great idea where student can get involved with Math that is all around them. I liked how this teacher had students take pictures of shapes and then download them to a sideshow where it can be used as a teaching tool. I think my children would love to do this activity this summer. It so simple and another great way to get our students involved with math. This experience is so valuable for the students because students of today are the computer generation. It's almost crazy to think that I didn't really create any slide-shows until I was in college! It's exciting to know that technology can be such a valuable resource to help students learn and become involved in Math.

Two Birds

I think it is such a good idea to have those 1st graders graphing the temperature, ect. daily. Those 1st graders are "killing two birds with one stone," they are learning to use the graphing technology they have available, plus they are learning new math skills all at the same time. They can then compile all of their information at the end of the week and then do another math project. Hands on learning I feel is the best way to learn because your hand, eyes, and brain are all engaged, which helps you remember. So using the technology provided, makes them physically use their hands, eyes, and brain. Doing this project early in the morning gets their brains in the school mode again and lets them interact with classmates.

Start blogging! Week 2 Assignment

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!

Week 2 Blog Assignment Summer 2010

Our first assignment here will be posted by Wednesday, June 16th. Please keep an eye out for it! You may want to refer once again to the blog rubric under the Content link in D2L.

Welcome Summer Session Bloggers!

Hello Everyone!
Here is where you will be posting to our blog and commenting on your classmates' posts. Feel free to read posts by former students. Some received a very high grade, and some did not.
I will be directing you to focus on topics for each blog week to get your brain working.

Have fun!

Jackie