Technology and Math
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY IN A MATH CLASSROOM
After talking with several math teachers (good friends) about how much technology they use in their classroom, I had to ask what they were doing…I was curious. However, I was not surprised by their answers. All three teachers named various software programs, which I have stated before is not bad …but…
drill and practice software can only be effective when used properly in a constructivist manner and only after students have an understanding of the problem at hand. We all know that math is based upon laws, theorems, and algorithms. I think pressing a button and the computer giving the answer doesn’t help students’ understanding of what mathematics is all about. If this is what your students are doing in the classroom, they are getting the impression that mathematics understanding can be gained by pushing a button that generates all of this information.
I came across a study on the impact of technology use “in a constructivist…mathematics classroom”.
The summary of the findings in this study were given in the following order:
I came across a study on the impact of technology use “in a constructivist…mathematics classroom”.
The summary of the findings in this study were given in the following order:
First, technology must be tightly linked to the constructivist instructional philosophy.
Second, having a computer present in the classroom and using it is no guarantee that the student will develop meaningful constructs. “Technology should be used as a tool for student use in creating their own, personally, meaningful, representations”(p.333).
And finally, the student must have the opportunity to instruct the computer. This allows the computer to “serve as an active critic of the students’ work”(p.323).
September 5, 2006 @ 12:41 pm
Not all teachers view constructivism as the best approach to teaching math. Real-world does not support constructivism. Business world is all about computers and calculators. Don’t you think students need some traditional teachings?
September 7, 2006 @ 12:00 am
Hey Mrs. Stone. You taught me math in third grade. I am now attending the University of Alabama where I’m pursuing a BS in Education. Your were the best math teacher I had. I liked your philosophy and approach in the classroom. I plan on teaching my students in the same manner. You were awesome. Would you be interested in speaking at one of our workshops? I heard you put on an excellent show after your methods block:)