Technology in the Maths Classroom
It could be said that a crucial part of learning maths is to find some way to unite procedural practices with some connection to real world understanding . Certainly these two concepts offer educators different (though connected) challenges. With my limited experience of technology I can only imagine the benefits and problems involved with more technology in the classroom.
My first concern is that by increasing technology there will be a reduction of the amount of simple procedures students do. These simple procedures were the foundations of my own understanding, I was very quick at them and used a calculator only for complex equations. This, I believe, helps with estimation and having an understanding if an answer is of any value, and knowing if any error may have occurred. This would be important in the use of technology. I believe having a close link to the repetitive and simple procedures helps in this connected understanding.
On the other hand, the idea of being able to gauge the value of an answer (is it realistic?) can easily be made much clear with technology. Technology can surly help by limiting, for example, long and arduous calculations or inaccurate/wonky drawings of graphs and so offer clear and accurate support in a students understanding.
I believe it will be a fine line balancing the use of technology in the maths classroom. The possibilities technology creates are many and varied, but as long as students don’t loose their ability to construct meaning with numbers themselves also.
some further and interesting thoughts on this: http://gwegner.edublogs.org/2007/07/29/wild-goose-chase/
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sounds pretty good to me sam.
Posted February 28, 2008, 9:02 amPeter
Some very good points there Sam. I strongly agree with your comments about the simple procedures we do in mathematics. I have noticed how many students cannot do this without a calculator. I believe that calculators should only be used for difficult questions like you said.
Posted February 28, 2008, 9:16 amSome thoughtful comments Sam. So, given your concern about technology replacing some the the simple maths procedures that students need to know, how can we as teachers regulate student use of technology?
Posted March 1, 2008, 3:50 pm