What is 'technology'?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the term 'technology' refers to the usage and knowledge of tools, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization.
In schools, examples of technologies we use are laptops, desktops, calculators, etc.
In chapter 7 of the text, NCTM mentioned its view about calculators, stating that "Teachers can capitalize on the appropriate use of this technology to expand students' mathematical understanding, not replace it."
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In my mind, I was thinking, "Really? But it seems like we are becoming too dependent on calculators and getting lazier to use our brain now. At least that's how it's like for me. And, how exactly can calculators expand the understanding? Isn't it only used for helping us solve equations?"
As I read on, it was written that "the student should learn when to use mental mathematics, when to use estimation,when to tackle a problem with paper and pencil, and when to use a calculator."
Yes it's true. We cannot be using a calculator to count graphs, or to measure objects. However, as long as calculators can be used, why would I want to do mental mathematics? .
When using calculators, humans have to input numbers or figures before an answer is obtained. The calculators cannot answer the equations if numbers are not entered. When faced with a question, the calculator cannot do problem-solving all by itself. Instead, humans are the ones who understand and think about how the problem can be solved before entering the numbers or figures to be calculated. Here, calculators are merely used to compute the answers out, and not the process of problem-solving (which is the desired outcome).
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Understanding how calculators contribute to the learning of mathematics includes
recognizing that the "use of calculators does not threaten the developmeny of basic skills
and that it can enhance conceptual understanding, strategic competence,
and disposition toward mathematics" (NRC, 2001, p.354).
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Now I know, calculators can also be used in teaching! I like one of the examples that is given, to teach children to count by ones on the calculator. It goes something like this:
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Press the keys 0 + 1 followed by the '=' sign. The answer given will be '1'.
Press the key = again, and the answer will show '2'.
Press the key = once more, and the answer will show '3'.
And the count continues as long as the '=' sign is pressed.
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This can reinforce the children's oral counting as they count when the answers are shown. They also learn identification of patterns (+1, +1, +1). This method can be used each time the children are given the opportunity to count.
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When anxiety is reduced (by use of calculators because no mental calculation is required), the children will naturally be more motivated towards learning. Therefore, supporting children during problem-solving activities with calculators is important.
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From the Teacher Resources on Page 124, I visited a few links and tried a few activities, among which I prefer the game 'Times Square' the best (click to join or log in as Guest Pass), a game requiring multiplication skills. It works just like 'tic-tac-toe'. The one who gets four answers in a row diagonally, vertically, or horizontally wins the game. At one time, one has to consider many multiplication options to strategize aginst the opponent. If in any way, you cannot obtain the answer that you want, you cannot let your opponent obtain an answer too.
I was 'hooked' onto this game the first time I tried it, thinking "cannot be so tough what?!" So I kept trying, until I won
, but still I continue the game because it is a challenge thinking of ways and strategies to win against the computer. One wrong move and the game is lost, thus full concentration is needed.
It may be a little tough for younger children to do multiplication, but the game can be modified to solve addition or subtraction questions. And I'm sure the children will love the game/ activity as much as I did.
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From the Teacher Resources on Page 124, I visited a few links and tried a few activities, among which I prefer the game 'Times Square' the best (click to join or log in as Guest Pass), a game requiring multiplication skills. It works just like 'tic-tac-toe'. The one who gets four answers in a row diagonally, vertically, or horizontally wins the game. At one time, one has to consider many multiplication options to strategize aginst the opponent. If in any way, you cannot obtain the answer that you want, you cannot let your opponent obtain an answer too.
I was 'hooked' onto this game the first time I tried it, thinking "cannot be so tough what?!" So I kept trying, until I won
, but still I continue the game because it is a challenge thinking of ways and strategies to win against the computer. One wrong move and the game is lost, thus full concentration is needed.It may be a little tough for younger children to do multiplication, but the game can be modified to solve addition or subtraction questions. And I'm sure the children will love the game/ activity as much as I did.
