This week I read about generating and testing hypotheses in
the book Using
Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Most think that generating and testing
hypotheses is something done only in science classes, however, this can be done
in all subjects using technology. The
most common software used for organizing data is Microsoft Excel. In my math classroom, I am able to use my
TI-nspire calculators. There are
different probes available that connect right to the calculator and record in a
spreadsheet. The probe I currently use in my classroom measures distance from
the probe to an object. The data it collects can easily be converted to graphs
in a new document. What I like about
this process is that the amount of time to collect the data is minimal so the
majority of students’ time can be spent analyzing and testing their
hypotheses. I do not see the value in
having students measure distances by hand repeatedly when there is a probe that
does it instantaneously. That is not
what I am trying to teach my students. To
me, technology should be used to simplify and organize our work so we can spend
more time concentrating on what matters.
This
type of method relates to the constructionist learning theory as students are engaged
in constructing something new. Students
are able to use what they have learned to deepen their knowledge by creating a
new product. Students are also using
higher order thinking skills when researching and analyzing. Lessons like these hep prepare students for
the real world by applying their knowledge.
I try to get away from standard lecture as much as possible, although I
know it is sometimes needed in math. Other
project-based learning tools I explored this week also correlated with the
constructionist learning theory as students create something new using what
they have learned. These activities have
students exploring real-life applications so students can see how material
relates to their lives.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.
(2007). Using technology with
classroom instruction
that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteYour TI-nspire calculators sound really cool! Are those the same calculators your students use all year long? Does your curriculum include lessons that have you collect data on these calculators?
I completely agree that technology should make our life easier and allow us to focus on more specific skills; however I don’t always find that to be true. There are so many things that can go wrong with the technology you might be using in a lesson that I know for some teachers in my building just don’t use the technology as much as they could. I, on the other hand feel very comfortable with the technology available to me and am able to troubleshoot many of the problems. Do you feel like there is a big different between the amount of technology you use and the amount of technology other teachers in your building use?
Thanks for your post,
Tricia
Hi Tricia!
DeleteYes, I have a class set on Nspires that we use almost every day. Most of the time it is for basic computation though. I tend to use a lot of technology in my classroom, however, most teachers do not. They feel as if it takes too much time to put together and they are just not comfortable with it.
Thanks,
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point that technology can help students do things more efficiently so they can then spend more time on building critical skills in areas that you deem the most important. I remember that burden we faced with data collection before spread sheets were actively used in school- unfortunately that became the primary focus rather than examining the data for patterns. Technology allows us to do so much more in the classroom. I did a few projects this year and I enjoyed them as much as the students- no project was the same because of the multitude of applications and methods utilized. Their retention of concepts and confidence in tackling problems definitely improved. Do you use project based learning in your classroom? Have a great Friday, Petra