How would I use technology in my classroom

When it comes to mathematics, most people think the only technology used are calculators and fun computer programs. But with all the new and neat changes in technology, there is plenty more than just the previous two.

I am amazed how power points are becoming a huge thing now. I am so proud of myself that I learned how to put an interactive one together and that this is something I will try to use a few times each quarter. Instead of me standing up in front lecturing, have the students learn from something I put together technological. I am also amazed at how well students can even put these together (I have seen it through their English courses). So with that, I would give students an extra credit opportunity to put together a math lesson through power point (and than save them for myself to use in the future).

I am also proud of putting together my first iMovie. Granted, I need to put more together to really get a feel of it. I did have a few students last year do this for me except it was in the form of YouTube. Students put together fun little math skits and than we shared them in class. They had a blast doing it and I had a blast watching them. Boy, it is amazing what kids will do in front of a camera.

One thing I would like to try (if it can work) is the Audio PodCast. I did a math song for my project which was fun.  I think students would have fun coming up with a song or even a story that would help them remember a certain math concept.  I would have to experiment with this a little more.

So much technology to use and there is still plenty more.  Like the students, I am learning so much everyday with what is out there in technology.  And it is important as an educator to bring that technology into my classroom.

Insights I am gaining so far from this course

From what I have learned and gained so far in this course is excellent.  I have enjoyed putting together my Geometry brochure and del.icio.us site.  Two things that will be carried into by me for next school year.

I especially am enjoying putting together my interactive lesson power point.  It is kind of funny as I started to put this on paper, I thought it would be pretty easy and quick to do.  But I am realizing how time consuming this all is.  Which is OK because I am having fun with it and I am hoping that once I get used to doing these, I will be able to put together and do more of these during the next school year.

Technologies Role in the Classroom

It is amazing in the fourteen years that I have been teaching how technology has changed dramatically year after year. As an educator, I do whatever I can to keep up with these changes, but it seems to never work. As I start each school year off, students seem to know more than I do with these technological changes (iPods, MP3 players, iTunes, cell phones). Which I guess is a good thing.

I truly feel technology is very important when it comes to the classroom. As a math teacher, I try to incorporate whatever I can with technology. Whether it be with graphing calculators, using the latest math websites (such as Maple), using special software that is out there for math educators (such as SketchPad), or using the idea of power point to help explain certain mathematical concepts.

As an individual, there is so much for me to learn with technology. I feel I have got the basics down which is important. But there is so much more for me to learn. And believe me, I am open to learn it all. My goal and dream is for one day to be able to know what students are actually talking about when it comes to technology.