In order to carry out my GAME plan, I need availability to computers for my students. I will also need to use the projector and interactive whiteboard to introduce the lesson and the technology used. The internet will also be an excellent source for questions that I might have on the lessons I teach. I will also need the knowledge to use the technology myself. Therefore, I may rely on friends and colleagues for questions that I might have.
I will begin by learning all I can about Microsoft Excel. As a math teacher, this is one resource that I could really take advantage of. I admit that I do not know much beyond the basics. I have seemed to stick with what I am the most comfortable with. Spreadsheets would not only be beneficial for learning mathematics, but they will also provide a foundation for students going into the workplace.
The goal that I have set to allow my students to become more creative can be put into action by giving my students more choices. Classes at Walden have provided me with the information I need to present my students with many different opportunities to put their ideas to work. They will be given the opportunity to search for information on the web and apply it to a spreadsheet. The type of spreadsheet may vary depending on the topic. If solving systems, students can look up information to compare cell phone rates and make conclusions from the graphs of their findings. If they are into video games, they can compare different game systems and the rates for their online service. The possibilities for creativeness are endless.
They will also be able to present their findings to the class by using a presentation tool. Whether they use power point, another software, or even a video, They will be learning methods to communicate information.
It is one thing to talk about using technology to teach, but it is another thing to provide real learning experiences for students. Plans must become actions in order to work. So far, I have done an excellent job at planning. Now it is time to take the step and implement the ideas that I have.
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I was just commenting on Mrs. Moore’s blog about using students as a resource. I bet they know quite a bit about excel. It could be a cool project to take a data set in class and let the students take off with it from there.
ReplyDeleteMaybe even divide them into a few groups, and with no directions, see how they interpret the data and what they do with it. They could then share their interpretations and present to the class.
It would be a bold move, especially the lack of direction thing, but I bet with the right make up of students you and your class could learn a lot about excel just from each other.
My game plan also revolves around Excel and spreadsheets. I find it allows my low level algebra students to begin to evaluate linear functions. By using the TRENDLINE feature, we can quickly get the linear function for raw data or data tables. Then we can focus on the analysis of what the slope means or the y-intercept means in relation to the table. My hope is to find an online spreadsheet that allows for all the TRENDLINE features that Excel does for my students at home who do not have Excel. I am having trouble finding them. Do you have any favorite online spreadsheets?
ReplyDeleteI have also used excel for Geometric transformations and analyzing data in my statistics class. I was shocked that my senior statistics students did not know to use the COUNTIF or MEDIAN built in functions, but then I realized – who would have shown them? When making graphs in excel, they copy beautifully into Powerpoint for class presentations.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman after my own heart. I too would like to use Excel more in my teaching. I teach Aglebra 1 and 2. I have already developed an Excel spreadsheet to use when graphing quadratics, but have not yet implemented it. I like your suggestion to relate the work to real situations. The cell phone and video game concepts are creative and meaningful to students.
As far as using the Excel, any business teacher or computer teacher in the building could give you some pointers. If you are like me, the rest you will figure out on your own.
I also believe in giving students choices, especially in their presentations. Power points, video and podcasts are all great tools that did not exist a few years ago.
You have a great idea. Run with it.
Rhonda
Thanks Everyone,
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful that we math teachers can collaborate like this and share ideas. We can learn so much from each other.
Charles, I agreee that students can be helpful in sharing their ideas about how to use computer software.
Nancy, I haven't used any online spreadsheets. That is a great idea for students who don't have Excel. Have you tried Geogebra for linear functions?
Rhonda, asking a business teacher at school to help me is a good idea. I asked my husband, he knows how to use Excel a little, but he hasn't used any of the graphing techniques.
We all need to keep in touch even after Walden. Another great source to make math real to students is the future channel: http://www.thefutureschannel.com/
Lisa
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI also teach math and have not really learned much about Excel and how I can use it in my classroom. I plan to learn how to use it and apply it in my classroom as well. I really like your comments about how students really can get creative in a math class. Awesome GAME plan!
Sally
LIsa, Thanks for sharing the URL for future channel. I will have to check it out. There is not a lot out there for upper level math courses as far as interactive online programs. I guess we just have to be creative and create our own projects. Hopefully, the lesson plan we create in week 5 through 7 will be a help.
ReplyDeleteRhonda