Reflection
Chapter 7- Mathematics
Perhaps a matter of imagination
TPACK in mathematics education
Lots of questions arise when talking about mathematics and the integration of technology. Should they be allowed to use the calculator? If they don’t know the information, should they be allowed to use technology devices to help them solve the problems? The common answer is “it depends.” It depends on the individual learners, and the needs and background experience that they bring to the classroom.
When integrating technology into the classroom, it is important to think about “what” technologies are appropriate and “how” these technologies might support teaching and learning. “Technologies are essential tools within a balanced mathematics program. Teachers must be prepared to serve as knowledgeable decision makers in determining when and how their students can use these tools most effectively.” (NCTM, 2003)
The integration of technology into mathematics needs to be practical and have real-life application. Math is constantly evolving because of technology. It affects how we do the fundamentals and search for information. Using tools of technology can help with student achievement of a variety of higher-order learning outcomes, such as reflection, reasoning, problem posing, problem solving, and decision making.
Mathematics is the “science of patterns.” You have to observe, represent, and investigate patterns and relationships. Mathematicians look for patterns in numbers, in space, in science, in computers, and in imagination.
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) has found it more beneficial to limit the topics taught in mathematics Pre-k to grade 8 and go more in depth to form a strong mathematical foundation.
The role of computer technology is helping teachers with their administrative tasks such as records grades, class assignments, attendance, progress reports, and information for lessons. Teachers are more “data wise.” Data collected is used to inform instruction.
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Lisa- Great job on your presentation.
ReplyDeleteI love the arcademicskillbuilders.com site. I had heard of this site before but never really had the time to explore it. It is a lot of fun and definitely geared for younger learners. Thanks. I will have my children practice it, so when they come to you, they'll be ready to use it!
I really like the sylvan learning center top ten math sites as well. How do you search to gt such good sites? What techniques do you use to search? I can't always seem to find what I am looking for.
The illuminations math site was nice. I went under the concentration game for k-2 students. It was fantastic. My children would have to recognize numbers as well as the number word. All concepts that I am working on with them right now. I might try having the children explore this site. Wish me luck!
Kim- Great sites!
It is funny that you mentioned the portaportal.com site this week. I met with my integrating teacher recently and she is using this site to organize some of the nonfiction conventions information and research information that we will use in the fall with our children on our unit. I can't wait to have time to learn how to use it. Maybe my summer project! It is looks interesting and very valuable as an organization tool. Thanks for sharing. You have inspired me to learn more about it.
Your daughter's math project was great. Looks like she and her group had a good time putting it together and I bet they will never forget the distibutive and associative properties.
I went under the virtual manipulatives site and they didn't have a link for k-2, but it looks helpful to older grades.
Thanks for sharing some great sites.
Kim-
ReplyDeleteI wanted to also thank you for the great math literature resource. I am always looking for books to support math topics that I am teaching. This site was great. I am actually going to make a list of the books I would like and put them on my budget for next year. Maybe it will be a fun shopping trip to Barnes and Noble. I'll let you know.
Hey Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got some great ideas! It will be great if the kids have already used the arcademic skill builder site. We may need to play around with it a little more because the numbers may go too high for your kids with addition and subtraction. But that would be a great thing for your kids who are ahead of K level to practice.
As far as searching, I think I just type in a variety of things and see what I get. I don't have any special technique to share! I think I used math activities, lessons, ideas, etc... Just try whatever comes to mind!
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found so many helpful ideas and sites.
I thought the literature/math connection was great and I use it quite a bit even with my 4th graders.
I'm glad to hear you want to look into portaportal and even if it's not a good tool for K students you can still use it as an organizational tool for yourself and all the sites you discover.Good Luck!