Specifically, though, what does it mean to engage, enhance or extend learning with technology? While these words describe what many teachers would hope to achieve with technology, it is easy to fall short in execution. Let's first consider engage. Whether it be a kindergarten classroom or a secondary-level math class, if the students are not engaged then the necessary learning cannot take place. Keeping students interested and curious is a key part of any successful classroom environment. Engaging a student means giving them the tools they need to stay on task, maintain an interest in the material, and become active learners. Given that we are educating a generation of students who were raised with technology in nearly every aspect of their lives, its presence in the classroom has the potential to be a great tool to maximize engagement.
There are many ways that technology can be integrated into a secondary math classroom in order to engage students and increase participation. One example is through the use of a remote quiz system. Either with a remote control, or even an app on their cell phones, students can weigh in on questions posed throughout class. Their anonymous responses would be available to the teacher, thus allowing the lesson to cater to the specific needs of the class. By expecting students to consider questions and give an answer several times a class, it would help to keep them engaged and focused on the task at hand. This is also a great tool for teachers because it provides constant feedback on the level of understanding of the students and whether or not certain topics need more explanation. More insight on engaging students through the use of technology can be found here.
Technology also has the potential to enhance and actually improve a student's understanding of the material. Such enhancement creates new ways for a topic to be approached and explained, thus giving students the chance to not only learn more effectively, but also learn more. For a secondary math classroom, technology such as a modeling software is a great tool that allows students to obtain a more thorough understanding of abstract ideas. Consider the case of an AP Calculus class covering the topic of multiple integration. Multiple integration is used in cases when students are asked to revolve several functions around different axis in order to create a 3D model and measure volume. As if this topic doesn't sound confusing enough, imagine asking a student to visualize what it is they are creating when they only have a flat sheet of paper as their workspace. Modeling software allows for the teacher to create and project visuals then rotate and manipulate these shapes in order to give students a concrete idea of these concepts. Using this technology can help the students make those difficult connections between the formulas on their paper and their physical representation. The video below shows an example of modeling software that is using sample functions and boundaries then revolving to make a solid.
Lastly, technology in education has the potential to extend the learning of our students beyond the walls of our classrooms. Specifically, certain uses of technology can allow students to grow as life-long learners who think of their learning experience as one that doesn't stop when the school day is over. For secondary math, one technology that can crossover into other areas of our student's lives is the Microsoft Excel program. Excel has many implications in the classroom, especially for collecting, comparing and working with data. Excel has many automated commands that make it easy for students to analyze and manipulate data, create charts and graphs, and calculate important values such as averages and maximums. Giving your students the chance to become comfortable with Excel will help them in other areas of their lives too, such as managing finances. Once the students are familiar with its commands and options, they may even choose to use Excel to complete assignments for other classes, such as chemistry or physics, that often require students to organize and analyze data. Check out this educational website for other ways to use Excel in a math classroom.
There are many ways that technology can be integrated into a secondary math classroom in order to engage students and increase participation. One example is through the use of a remote quiz system. Either with a remote control, or even an app on their cell phones, students can weigh in on questions posed throughout class. Their anonymous responses would be available to the teacher, thus allowing the lesson to cater to the specific needs of the class. By expecting students to consider questions and give an answer several times a class, it would help to keep them engaged and focused on the task at hand. This is also a great tool for teachers because it provides constant feedback on the level of understanding of the students and whether or not certain topics need more explanation. More insight on engaging students through the use of technology can be found here.
References
Bulion, L. Middle school math lessons using Excel. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech079.shtml
Cschmidt1986 (2011, March 14). Solid of Revolution--Animated. Retrieved September 4, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oAjcLD34kc
Keren-Kolb, L. (January 01, 2013). Engage, enhance, and extend learning! Learning and Leading with Technology, 30, 7, 20-27.
Machielse, C. How technology empowers the shy student to participate in class. Retrieved from http://info.lecturetools.com/blog/bid/39488/How-Technology-Empowers-the-Shy-Student-to-Participate-in-Class
[Math Wordle. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://wwphs.sharpschool.com/h_s_s_depts/mathematics/ms__pearson/
