Advantages:
Technology has the ability to bring the intangible and abstract to life. This is especially important in mathematics. Software, such as Virtual Manipulatives, “provides learners with the opportunity to visualize and make more concrete the generally abstract world of mathematics” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310). Another advantage of using technology in math is that it is “more student-centered, active, and relevant to the world we live in” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310). The integration of technology in mathematics continues to build higher cognitive problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills.
Disadvantages:
Mathematics requires quite a bit of practice at problem-solving. Technology cannot solely take the place of good ol’ fashion paper and pencil with certain elements of mathematics. Roblyer and Doering (2013) point out that teachers need to balance the “combination of off- and on-computer activities” (p. 310). In addition, I believe the directed approach to teaching mathematics is essential and at the forefront of learning of mathematics. Though the “math wars” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 310) continue with debate and research touting constructivists vs. direct instruction views, working with learning disabled students has shown me that not all students can construct their own knowledge, especially in mathematics. According to Roblyer and Doering (2013), there is the "current emphasis in mathematics instruction…on learning higher order mathematics skills, [and] students often need more resources to support the practice of basic skills. These skills provide an important foundation on which they can build more advanced skill" (p. 317).
Most Beneficial Technology Assignments:
By far, the most beneficial assignment was the creation of my College and Career Readiness and Transition Skills Wiki because it “contains the ongoing work of many authors,” thus my students (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 268). I have already taken this assignment further than the requirements for this class and plan to immediately implement this with my high school students next year. The implementation of the College and Career Readiness Standards, beginning with all of Alabama’s freshmen this next school year, specifically target the curriculum of the future. This being said, another beneficial project was the Instructional Design assignment. This assignment focused on Job Interviewing Skills, and ties directly to the content of my wiki. I plan to use them in tandem this next year.
Roblyer M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
Hey You have the wiki mastered. I can see why it will be so beneficial in your classroom. I also agree with you about the fundamentals of mathematics. It goes for writing as well.I hope that these basics will not get lost in the shuffle.
ReplyDeleteJill
Agreed- your wiki is awesome and will, I'm sure, greatly benefit your students. It is obvious that you spent a lot of time creating it and thought critically about how it could best be utilized in your classroom!
ReplyDeleteI also was blown away by your wiki-awesome job! And i think you are right about directed teaching methods in math, even though i prefer constructive type teaching i think math is one of the subject matters that should be taught directly.
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