Teaching Philosophy
The math education course with technology analyzed the importance and difficulties concerning implementing technology into the classroom. Many students in today's classrooms rely on technology when it is available. As with many resources, there are many gains and drawbacks from using technology.
Technology is a great resource for allowing students to better visualize what is being taught in the classroom. It creates more authenticity that words and symbols cannot explain. Students have the opportunity to interact with each other and the teacher to better understand the material at hand. This encourages team building skills and the ability to explain ideas and concepts further. There are also endless resources online now that allow students to find what works best for them whether it be online videos, interactive games or merely online practice problems.
Teachers also have the ability to take more control of the classroom with technology. They can focus a lesson on a specific concept by revolving technological activities around it. By allowing students to explore the concept further with more than just a board and markers, it allows them to investigate with one another. Technology also allows students faster access to resources online if they are having trouble in the classroom. Countless times, if students don't understand the teacher, finding other online sources is a great way to better understand what is being taught in class.
It's interesting to note the advancement of technology over the years. From my personal experience and those of my colleagues, our teachers used smartboards as a replacement whiteboard in the classroom. It also assisted in showing 3D images and for pulling up math problems and solutions from online textbooks. This allowed all students in a classroom to see math problems at once. This improved efficiency and allowed math to be more "fun" by writing answers up on the board using different colors. Today, technology is much improved as one middle school teacher conveyed through his use of the TI-NSpire calculator. These calculators enable students to take quizzes on their own calculators, allowing the teacher to collect data on his students' math abilities. He could see what each student was doing on his/her calculator and how their learning was progressing. There are many new websites that give teachers the freedom to design their own activities. Now, time and lack of knowledge and experience is the main factor that limits teachers from using technology in the classroom.
Drawbacks:
While technology is a great resource, I have learned from this class and specific readings that there are some things to be aware of when introducing technology into the classroom. While it allows for further understanding, the learning curve of how to use the technology most efficiently should not distract students from math. Some technology is easy to use and requires little to no prior experience with it. Others that are stronger and more powerful require prior knowledge. It is up to the teacher to be comfortable using it in class such that students can rely on it as well. That level of confidence takes time not only for the teacher but also for the students.
Technology is also used as a way for students to check their work. While this is helpful, sometimes it causes students to second guess themselves. This occurs when students should have memorized formuals or understood certain procedures. However, complacency on looking things up online keeps them from progressing to more difficult math problems.
Moving Forward:
I hope to implement technological resources for my students as a way to add breadth to their learning. It should expand their understanding further, but not take away time from learning the material. The best I can do is to sufficiently prepare before my lesson. This gives students the confidence that I know how to use the technology to improve their ability at problem solving.
Technology is a great resource for allowing students to better visualize what is being taught in the classroom. It creates more authenticity that words and symbols cannot explain. Students have the opportunity to interact with each other and the teacher to better understand the material at hand. This encourages team building skills and the ability to explain ideas and concepts further. There are also endless resources online now that allow students to find what works best for them whether it be online videos, interactive games or merely online practice problems.
Teachers also have the ability to take more control of the classroom with technology. They can focus a lesson on a specific concept by revolving technological activities around it. By allowing students to explore the concept further with more than just a board and markers, it allows them to investigate with one another. Technology also allows students faster access to resources online if they are having trouble in the classroom. Countless times, if students don't understand the teacher, finding other online sources is a great way to better understand what is being taught in class.
It's interesting to note the advancement of technology over the years. From my personal experience and those of my colleagues, our teachers used smartboards as a replacement whiteboard in the classroom. It also assisted in showing 3D images and for pulling up math problems and solutions from online textbooks. This allowed all students in a classroom to see math problems at once. This improved efficiency and allowed math to be more "fun" by writing answers up on the board using different colors. Today, technology is much improved as one middle school teacher conveyed through his use of the TI-NSpire calculator. These calculators enable students to take quizzes on their own calculators, allowing the teacher to collect data on his students' math abilities. He could see what each student was doing on his/her calculator and how their learning was progressing. There are many new websites that give teachers the freedom to design their own activities. Now, time and lack of knowledge and experience is the main factor that limits teachers from using technology in the classroom.
Drawbacks:
While technology is a great resource, I have learned from this class and specific readings that there are some things to be aware of when introducing technology into the classroom. While it allows for further understanding, the learning curve of how to use the technology most efficiently should not distract students from math. Some technology is easy to use and requires little to no prior experience with it. Others that are stronger and more powerful require prior knowledge. It is up to the teacher to be comfortable using it in class such that students can rely on it as well. That level of confidence takes time not only for the teacher but also for the students.
Technology is also used as a way for students to check their work. While this is helpful, sometimes it causes students to second guess themselves. This occurs when students should have memorized formuals or understood certain procedures. However, complacency on looking things up online keeps them from progressing to more difficult math problems.
Moving Forward:
I hope to implement technological resources for my students as a way to add breadth to their learning. It should expand their understanding further, but not take away time from learning the material. The best I can do is to sufficiently prepare before my lesson. This gives students the confidence that I know how to use the technology to improve their ability at problem solving.