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As a
teacher/instructional math coach at Battin Middle School, I have spent
a lot of time in the eighth grade math classes this year, often helping
students as they use computers for math center activities. This
has been very rewarding because I am seeing these activities from the
student’s point of view. The eighth graders are enthusiastic about
using the computer for math activities. They experimented with
the volume of cubes and cylinders of different sizes by pouring a
virtual liquid from one container to another and drawing conclusions
about the activity. They were able to create a probability
experiment by setting up a very long sequence of dice throws and then
analyzing the results. They used Geometer’s Sketchpad for many
activities such as comparing angles and triangles and forming polygons.
By understanding the students’ perspective, I’m able to help teachers
fine-tune and clarify directions and activity outcomes. I have
been exploring ways to bring writing into the math classroom and the
technology activities are often the perfect place for journal entries,
feedback, and explanations.
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As
Project Facilitator for the Battin/McAuliffe MATRIX grant, I also see
the other side of the coin. The teachers spend hours planning and
preparing for these technology activities. Prep time is often
spent exploring ciesemath.org, nlvm.usu.edu, and other sites that have
been suggested on the MATRIX website. Early in the morning, teachers
are turning on the computers and setting out directions for centers.
Our School Technology Coordinator is busy distributing laptops and
arranging for Smartboard activities in the library. Ihor
Charischak visits often and guides the teachers in planning. He
also provides in-class technology demonstrations as well as
professional development during team meetings. With his help and
encouragement, Battin and McAuliffe MATRIX teachers are willing to take
risks to infuse their lessons with technology. One of our project
goals this year is to share activities and ideas with our colleagues
and this is being done at every grade level. The MATRIX teachers are
just as enthusiastic as their students as they share MATRIX ideas with
others.
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