Mathematics

Mathematics and TPCK

Perhaps a Matter of Imagination



The main theme in this chapter was about integrating technology into the mathematics classroom to make lessons more engaging and comprehensive for students. Mathematics teachers need to keep an “open mind” to new technologies and how they can be integrated into their lessons to make them more dynamic to learners. It is clear that pre-service teaching programs need to train students in new technologies and how to bring them into lessons. The calculator debate continued outside the realm of the TPCK book. Even though all responders didn’t agree on the use of calculators in the classroom, they did agree with the use of technology to enhance learning and make it more engaging. Many of the postings commented that math was their weakest subject and how they felt frustrated and barely got by with a passing grade in high school. It was noted that many students leave high school without a grasp on the “why” concepts of mathematics.

In order to incorporate technology into mathematics in-service teachers need to be trained in the technology so they feel successful and so they can support new teachers with TPCK.

Positive Aspects
 * Technology encourages students to become more motivated in math.
 * Technology provides a visual connection to the “why” in mathematics.
 * Technologies can improve understanding of material and teachers are able to provide “student-centered models of instruction” with technology.
 * Technology use can build knowledge and conceptual understanding, making learning dynamic and effective.

Concerns
 * Over-use of calculators in early grades can prevent students from developing strong basic math skills.
 * Calculators shouldn’t be used to teach lessons, only for support.
 * Lack of training in technology use and problems with technology itself prevents teachers from using technology well.
 * Students graduating high school without the math skills they need to compete in the 21st Century.

Resources

Pre-K through Middle School

[|__www.abcmouse.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site has resources for Pre-K to middle school

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.jumpstart.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site has resources for Pre-K to middle school (these programs are awesome but you must download them to your computer. I used to buy these software discs for my own kids because they are so awesome)

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.scholastic.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site has two groupings from ages 3-7 and ages 8-12, so Pre-K to middle school

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.khanacademy.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site could be used from grades 2 through 12, it has everything from basic addition and subtraction through calculus. It offers video tutorials and practice exercises.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.ixl.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site has levels from Pre-K to high school aligned to state standards.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Middle School through High school homework help sites, both organized by lesson index. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.purplemath.com__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #001c81; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.brightstorm.com__]

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">High School <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://www2.edc.org/MISTM/__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This site has interactive applets and other resources organized by the Maine Learning Results clusters.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Geogebra <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__http://www.geogebra.org/en/wiki/index.php/English__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__www.geogebra.org__] This resource is a great free software program that has many great applications. The first site is the GeoGebra Wiki where there are many resources to help teachers share and create great instructional products using their software.