Technology in Mathematics
Using Technology in the classroom is one majorly debated issue in education today. In Mathematics, do you feel that all concepts should be taught through technology or should some concepts still be taught the old fashioned way (ex. dry erase boards).
I think if you are familiar enough with the technology and creative in how you go about it, you could use technology to teach everything. I'm not great at math, but I can't think of anything that would need to be taught with a dry erase board instead of some sort of classroom technology. If the teacher is not comfortable with the technology, though, I think they should stick with the dry erase boards. I think the students would pick up on that and it would make the classroom uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI agree...but I actually use both not because I am uncomfortable with technology. There are times when I present my lesson through video tutors and my students just don’t enjoy them and there are times that they do. They prefer me to just break it down in my own way and of course I have to reach my students in a way comfortable for them. This is when I use my Smart board to show examples and I allow them to work examples on their individual dry eraser boards to show them their answers.
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel like it is good to use a mix. Technology is great, and it keeps their attention. However, I think there is still something to be said for using "old fashioned" methods for somethings. My students get more excited about using the dry erase board than the Smart board because the Smart board is the norm for them. (We use it everyday.) Overall, I think you need to read your class and see what is best for them and the objective being taught.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I have to agree with your statement about reading your class. My 1st period was one class that was not very receptive to technology they were old fashioned students if must say. On the other hand my 3rd period was fascinated with using everything possible. The only resource that I have in my classroom is the Smart board and Elmo so I try my hardest to incorporate other games and resources through the Smart board.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it should be a mixture of both. That being said, at my current school we are encouraged to use a number of manipulatives. SMARTBoards allow me to project my manipulatives where they can be seen, while students can work at their desk. I think that technology is also great to supplement the lesson. It has been stated throughout many courses that technology is becoming an integral part in the education system. Due to this it is important that students can easily manipulate online tools. One program that my school used with our students 3rd to 5th grade was Think Through Math. I loved it and am a huge advocate of its use in school. I was able to go into the program and set lessons on my students account based on the standards were learning. Students were able to have more one-on-one lessons with real teachers, as well as have additional examples given to them. I think that there are effective ways to use technology in mathematics. Due to the digital age, it may help make math fun for students who do not usually enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteGiven the number of new and effective tools that are available to students in their effort to learn mathematics, I would argue for the use of a combination of old and new technologies in mathematics instruction.
ReplyDelete