Mathematics and Technology

These podcast talk about the use of technology in mathematics. Judy Chandler talks about collaborative learning. This is to use computer technology as well as the text- book to help teach students about math. She gives several areas where the two together can help enhance the student's learning experience. A few are enhanced communication, alternative ways to demonstrate learning, and tools that help by visual presentation.

Chandler talks about how many students experience disengagement. They are uninterested in the "old way" of learning and they zone out. She also speaks of students memorizing the information just so they can pass the test. She suggests that the teacher should engage the students by making them feel they are scientists in the classroom. She encourages the teacher to ask the questions like, "why and how do we know this"? She feels this will get the students thinking.

I would definitely use this in my classroom. Mixing computer technology and math would definitely make a class that some find very difficult a little easier. Students are already using the computer and other electronic devices all of the time. This can take something they already love to help them understand something they will need the rest of their lives.

iTunesU/Maine Department of Education