Mathematics with Technology Podcasts

The podcasts I listened to were the Maine Learning Technology Initiative: Mathematics with Technology and Thinking Mathematical with Judy Chandler. Ms. Chandler is a Technology Integration Specialist and Math Mentor and Trainer for the Maine Dept. of Education. She claims that some math teachers are reluctant to embrace technology as a resource in their classroom. Teachers feel as though they have no time to learn technology and that standardized testing will cover the material needed to finish the math textbook. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, technology influences and enhances student's learning. Technology provides powerful tools to facilitate examples, provide visual representation, represent data analysis and provide alternative ways to demonstrate learning. Technology integrated with pedagogy and content knowledge engages students in a multi-sensory authentic and collaborative math learning environment.Chandler states that one well-designed learning activity can cover material from 4 or 5 textbook lessons.

Traditionally the math learning environment consists of students moving lesson to lesson and example by example. Frustrated students fall behind and in math we need to engage our students to "Think Mathematically". Questioning guides our thinking and questions also direct classroom discussions and guide critical thinking experiences. Chandler states that as teachers we should ask, "Why?" and challenge our students to think. Questions provide opportunities for thinking mathematically and with meaningful technology integration we provide valuable critical thinking experiences that prepare our students for lifelong learning. These podcasts also provided websites to enable your students to "Think Mathematically".

I am a bigger fan of the video podcasts because I could not understand a few things Judy Chandler was saying. It was an interesting podcast and I will definitely incorporate "thinking mathematical" tools in my lesson plans. I am a Para in an elementary school and use the computer to help visualize certain math problems. I believe questioning students at all times keeps their brains stronger. It prepares them for the long road ahead. Watching and listening to podcasts gives teachers a valuable guide to the many tools available to teach our students to the best of our ability.