High school teacher (25 years experience) teaching geography and grade nine and ten math (periodically)
Within two years of retirement
Extremely limited interest (on a personal level) in using technologies such as cell phones and computers (I do not own or use cell phones)
Find teaching sessions involving computers somewhat frustrating - remembering steps, continual glitches
Limited time willing to devote to learning use of technology
Do, however, recognize potential for technology in the classroom
HUB Project
My understanding concerning this HUB project is for students and teachers to use technolgy in and out of the classroom to enhance higher order thinking skills as students progress through the grade nine math curriculm.
Description of project
Intially the idea was to use technology (computers and "Geometers Sketchpad") to teach geometry unit. Completed diagnostic testing on student knowledge (types of triangles and quadritaerals, types of angles, problem solving (finding unknown angles). Students were then given a higher order thinking task - evaluating responses on teacher answer key for future test. Provide rational explaining why some responses incorrect and correcting the answer key.
Time became an obstacle due to snow days, rush to cover material in preparation for EQAO testing, teacher
knowledge concerning "Sketchpad", availability of computer labs (timing). Substituted alternate approach for HUB suggested by HUB coordinator..
The alternate actiivity involved the use of cell phones to video students explaining problem solving process in determination of unknown angles in geometric shape (quadrilateral/tirangle) . Students enthusiastic (chance to use phones). Problem solving involved analysis and evaluation. Students created interesting presentations (synthesis) using cell phones.
Student Input Concerning Activity
Fun using phones to communicate problem solving abilities
Time consuming (although did not mind spending time on activity), preparing/practicing and recording responses
Broke-up normal classroom routine. Do this type of activity more often including use of math programs on computers
Increased our understanding of the problem and forced us to explain our thinking
Increased understanding of higher-order thinking
Focussed attention on problem and method used to solve problem - held accountable.
Talking better than writing out our explanation (solution)
Emailing of video "a pain". Not very successful (note: only one pair of students successfully emailed video to HUB coordintor. None were successful in emailing to teacher computer).
Barriers to Overcome
Teacher unfamiliarity with existing technology (using and navigating through computer programs, cell phone apps)
Teacher ability to solve techncial glitches along the way (transfering cell phone video files that are too large to teacher computer)
Covering math curriculum in allocated time while incorporating latest techologies into classroom.
Student familarity with technolgy (although most quite literate in use of )
Time to learn new technology/programs
Teacher Profile
High school teacher (25 years experience) teaching geography and grade nine and ten math (periodically)
Within two years of retirement
Extremely limited interest (on a personal level) in using technologies such as cell phones and computers (I do not own or use cell phones)
Find teaching sessions involving computers somewhat frustrating - remembering steps, continual glitches
Limited time willing to devote to learning use of technology
Do, however, recognize potential for technology in the classroom
HUB Project
My understanding concerning this HUB project is for students and teachers to use technolgy in and out of the classroom to enhance higher order thinking skills as students progress through the grade nine math curriculm.
Description of project
Intially the idea was to use technology (computers and "Geometers Sketchpad") to teach geometry unit. Completed diagnostic testing on student knowledge (types of triangles and quadritaerals, types of angles, problem solving (finding unknown angles). Students were then given a higher order thinking task - evaluating responses on teacher answer key for future test. Provide rational explaining why some responses incorrect and correcting the answer key.
Time became an obstacle due to snow days, rush to cover material in preparation for EQAO testing, teacher
knowledge concerning "Sketchpad", availability of computer labs (timing). Substituted alternate approach for HUB suggested by HUB coordinator..
The alternate actiivity involved the use of cell phones to video students explaining problem solving process in determination of unknown angles in geometric shape (quadrilateral/tirangle) . Students enthusiastic (chance to use phones). Problem solving involved analysis and evaluation. Students created interesting presentations (synthesis) using cell phones.
Student Input Concerning Activity
Fun using phones to communicate problem solving abilities
Time consuming (although did not mind spending time on activity), preparing/practicing and recording responses
Broke-up normal classroom routine. Do this type of activity more often including use of math programs on computers
Increased our understanding of the problem and forced us to explain our thinking
Increased understanding of higher-order thinking
Focussed attention on problem and method used to solve problem - held accountable.
Talking better than writing out our explanation (solution)
Emailing of video "a pain". Not very successful (note: only one pair of students successfully emailed video to HUB coordintor. None were successful in emailing to teacher computer).
Barriers to Overcome
Teacher unfamiliarity with existing technology (using and navigating through computer programs, cell phone apps)
Teacher ability to solve techncial glitches along the way (transfering cell phone video files that are too large to teacher computer)
Covering math curriculum in allocated time while incorporating latest techologies into classroom.
Student familarity with technolgy (although most quite literate in use of )
Time to learn new technology/programs