"Mathematices with Technology" and "Thinking Mathematically"

Mathematics with Technology and Thinking Mathematically were both presented by Judy Chanler, who is a technology integration specialist, a mathematics teacher and a math mentor/trainer. Ms. Chanler in the first podcast, Mathematics with Technology explains the importance of the use of technology in the classroom for a higher rate of student success. She encourages teachers not to be frightened by technology but to utilize it. Technology not only provides opportunities for students to learn in different ways but also peaks their interest to the subject through using popular technology. This technology program opens up math to its users by offering: engaging tools, example problems, offers enhanced communication, and collaboration.

Judy Chanler follows the first podcast with the sequel, Thinking Mathematically. In this podcast she discusses the tactics most textbooks use to present the material to the students. They present the material in lesson after lesson using only examples to help the students learn. Many students have trouble following this type of math learning method, though some succeed often times by memorizing the steps but not actually understanding the method. Ms Chanler addresses this problem by offering a solution,. The students must be taught to think mathematically. Learning to think mathematically is achieved by the teacher asking the students questions and providing technological visual aids. Ms Chanler says, " students learn to think mathematically, and they are learning when they explore, connect ideas, investigate, observe patterns, play what if, conjecture, argue, prove, model , reply and reflect."

I am not sure that this particular software will be useful to me because my major is in elementary education , but it sounds like it is very useful to teachers teaching algebra and geometry. The software that Ms. Chanler speaks so highly of is free and can be downloaded from Geogabra.org. Though I cannot use this particular software, I can incorporate mathematical thinking by utilizing the methods described above.

Listening to podcasts from experienced teachers who have incorporated new tools successfully into their classrooms encourages me as a beginning teacher to step out and look for ways to incorporate new tools in my future classroom. By using technology I have an avenue to stay abreast of new and effective ways to improve my effectiveness as a teacher and improve the learning of my students.