The Chapter 1 video clip showed the utilization of graphing calculators in teaching the commutative property of multiplication. The teacher used the calculation of area (length * width) as an example. The students were given worksheets with pairs of values and were asked to use the calculator to test whether l * w = w * l for each set. I think the following NETS Student Standards were evident in this short clip:
- 1. Basic operations and concepts: students appeared familiar with the general use of their calculators (clearing memory for example). The students understood that an output of 1 from the calculator’s test function indicated “true.”
- 3. Technology productivity tools: students used technology to enhance learning by “proving” that l * w = w * l with calculators
- 4. Technology communications tools: the use of an overhead projector aided all students in the class to make sure they were performing the activity correctly and obtaining the same results
If I were to do a similar activity in my classroom, I’d be sure to include a few blank lines where students could make up their own number pairs and then have several share their results with the class verbally or writing on the board.
Great job on your first blog, Emily! I know that identifying standards is not a terribly exciting way to kick off the semester, but it is a skill that will help us later on.
ReplyDeleteI think that technology should not be used just for the sake of using it - and personally, I kind of felt like the instructor pushed the calculators onto the students a little early. They seemed to struggle with the concept and the technology. It's one of the reasons why I love teaching this class - we focus on the integration as much as the tools. As with any tool, technology has its place in the classroom. It can be a blessing or a curse...sometimes both in the same day!
I like to use these videos to showcase examples of using technology in the classroom. They aren't always 'this is how you should do it' videos. Like this one, there is certainly room for improvement. But honestly, I admire any teacher willing to be recorded! And the videos give me a chance to showcase integration strategies that I would have shown in an on-campus course.
Keep up the good work!