MATH 4644 Secondary School Math with Technology Fall 2009
| Instructor: Susan Hagen | Email: hagen@vt.edu |
Office: 433 McBryde (231-7229--messages also) |
Home
Page: http://www.math.vt.edu/people/hagen
|
Office Hours: M/W 1:30- 2:30 @
the Emporium |
|
Class Meeting: MW 11:15
AM-12:30 PM in the MIPAC room of the Math Emporium
Required Materials: 8 AAA batteries (it would be good if we could organize getting rechargable batteries of one kind and cut back to 4 batteries)
Miscellaneous:
We will be using laptop computers in the MIPAC room. These machines require that you have a Virginia Tech wireless account – make sure that your wireless account is working before our first class.
You will need to have money on your Hokie Passport in order to print in the Math Emporium. You will also need a google account.
Course Description
The course is designed to help
participants develop an appreciation for the power of computers, calculators,
and other technological tools in mathematics education, an ability to select
appropriate software, and knowledge and confidence to use technology in
instruction. Course activities will provide students with a review of important
secondary mathematical concepts, but more importantly, will help them become
familiar with current issues in mathematics education, specifically those
related to technology. Course participants will explore a range of computer
software and calculator applications. They will become proficient with several
software packages and learn how technology can help in solving specific
mathematics problems and modeling mathematical situations. The main type of
course activity will be solving mathematics problems using technology. Students
will also review, critique, and plan lessons that use technology and will share
their experiences with class participants. We will explore mathematical problems
using graphical hand-held devices (e.g., TI-83 and TI-92 calculators) as well
as computer software (e.g., spreadsheets, dynamic geometry software, and
computer algebra systems).
Technology makes some
mathematics more accessible. In fact, it is argued that it makes some
previously unavailable concepts available for the first time. At the same time,
some mathematics may become obsolete. Throughout the course, we will consider
questions related to these claims. Some of the questions include:
- How does technology influence what
mathematics should be taught?
- How does technology otherwise impact
teaching?
- How does technology affect students'
learning?
- How do technology-intensive
mathematics classrooms differ from the classrooms in which we may have
learned mathematics?
Calculators
We will use Texas Instruments
calculators & the new TI NSpire handheld throughout the course. The Navigator System and Computer-Based
Laboratories (CBLs) and related equipment will be available for use in the
Emporium and/or check out on a limited basis.
We will adhere to the
Virginia Tech Honor Code in this course. Also, I wish to fully include persons
with disabilities in this course. Please let me know if you need any special
accommodations in the curriculum, instruction, or assessments of this course to
enable you to successfully participate. I will maintain the confidentiality of
the information you share with me.