Part I: Brief Description
http://blog.earnmydegree.com/blog/2011/03/29/enemy-math/
For the past 4 years that I have taught math, fractions seem to be one of the most difficult concepts to grasp. Therefore, the key problem I will focus on for my Dream It project will be the understanding of fractions. In order for students to be able to find equivalent fractions, comprehend mixed numbers and add and subtract fractions, they must first have a solid understanding of what a fraction is. The transformation I wasn’t to see is for students to be able to understand what a fraction is and be able to apply the concepts in various situations. I want students to take the concepts out of the classroom and into the real world.
In order for students to understand fractions and be able to apply them, they must first learn them. The plan is to teach them fractions with two pieces of technology: a smartboard and an iPod Touch. Both of these devices offer so much to the classroom, to students, to math and of course, to fractions. They are 21st century technologies that should be used in the classroom to teach students of this generation. I came across a website in which the tag line was: Create, Connect, Collaborate- I love it. Teachers and students can create lessons, connect to technology and collaborate to learn and grow.
These technologies will address many problems in both teaching and learning. For teaching, the technologies will allow for a more student-centered, interactive and collaborative atmosphere. Teaching through the TPACK method will enhance the teaching and learning in the classroom. With the correct integration of technology, pedagogy and content, the students can learn the content with the help of technology. The smartboard will allow students to interact with the board and can bring a lesson “to life”. A smartboard will also allow students to get out of their seats and participate. Students can walk up to the board and manipulative the various fractions. Using sites like kidpriation and NCTM, gives students virtual manipulatives to learn with. An iPod Touch also has the students interacting and participating but on a smaller more personal scale. An iPod Touch can allow the teacher to let the students learn at their own rate to decrease possible embarrassment. A smartboard is for the whole group, while the iPod Touches reach each student individually and meet the need of each student. These technologies are not only for teaching, but for learning as well. Smartboards and iPod touches can attend to the various types of learning styles. With both of these technologies students can gain a better understanding about fractions. Teacher-driven, sit still lectures are turned into hands on, eyes on, student-centered discovery.
Since I currently do not have a smartboard or iPod Touches in my classroom, I decided to do some research about how I could properly implement these technologies into my own classroom. I came across so many great ideas. For the smartboards, I found various templates on fractions and ways to help students understand them. Smartboards also lend themselves to kidspiration and other virtual manipulatives through NCTM and other websites. Allowing students to see fractions and manipulate them, will help them understand what a fraction is and how to apply it in different contexts. I then looked into the various apps for the iPod Touches. I came across many different apps that covered many different levels of understanding. The different apps can allow for differentiation among the students. Another wonderful tool on the iPod Touch is the calculator. The calculator will help students make the connection between decimals and fractions, furthering their understanding of fractions.
I know success won’t come overnight. Fractions are a very difficult concept for elementary students to understand. Measuring success is measuring understanding. It is important that the students understand the fractions are opposed to just knowing them. Judging by the questions the students ask, the work they have done, the way they apply their knowledge and the knowledge they portray will help me to see if the students are actually understanding the material.
This generation we are currently teaching is different than our own. This generation relies on technology to get them through the day and understand what they need to know. Smartboards and iPod Touches are technologies that will help our students learn and grow. As educators, we need to embrace the now, learn from the past and grow for our future. These technologies are the now of this generation.
In order for students to understand fractions and be able to apply them, they must first learn them. The plan is to teach them fractions with two pieces of technology: a smartboard and an iPod Touch. Both of these devices offer so much to the classroom, to students, to math and of course, to fractions. They are 21st century technologies that should be used in the classroom to teach students of this generation. I came across a website in which the tag line was: Create, Connect, Collaborate- I love it. Teachers and students can create lessons, connect to technology and collaborate to learn and grow.
These technologies will address many problems in both teaching and learning. For teaching, the technologies will allow for a more student-centered, interactive and collaborative atmosphere. Teaching through the TPACK method will enhance the teaching and learning in the classroom. With the correct integration of technology, pedagogy and content, the students can learn the content with the help of technology. The smartboard will allow students to interact with the board and can bring a lesson “to life”. A smartboard will also allow students to get out of their seats and participate. Students can walk up to the board and manipulative the various fractions. Using sites like kidpriation and NCTM, gives students virtual manipulatives to learn with. An iPod Touch also has the students interacting and participating but on a smaller more personal scale. An iPod Touch can allow the teacher to let the students learn at their own rate to decrease possible embarrassment. A smartboard is for the whole group, while the iPod Touches reach each student individually and meet the need of each student. These technologies are not only for teaching, but for learning as well. Smartboards and iPod touches can attend to the various types of learning styles. With both of these technologies students can gain a better understanding about fractions. Teacher-driven, sit still lectures are turned into hands on, eyes on, student-centered discovery.
Since I currently do not have a smartboard or iPod Touches in my classroom, I decided to do some research about how I could properly implement these technologies into my own classroom. I came across so many great ideas. For the smartboards, I found various templates on fractions and ways to help students understand them. Smartboards also lend themselves to kidspiration and other virtual manipulatives through NCTM and other websites. Allowing students to see fractions and manipulate them, will help them understand what a fraction is and how to apply it in different contexts. I then looked into the various apps for the iPod Touches. I came across many different apps that covered many different levels of understanding. The different apps can allow for differentiation among the students. Another wonderful tool on the iPod Touch is the calculator. The calculator will help students make the connection between decimals and fractions, furthering their understanding of fractions.
I know success won’t come overnight. Fractions are a very difficult concept for elementary students to understand. Measuring success is measuring understanding. It is important that the students understand the fractions are opposed to just knowing them. Judging by the questions the students ask, the work they have done, the way they apply their knowledge and the knowledge they portray will help me to see if the students are actually understanding the material.
This generation we are currently teaching is different than our own. This generation relies on technology to get them through the day and understand what they need to know. Smartboards and iPod Touches are technologies that will help our students learn and grow. As educators, we need to embrace the now, learn from the past and grow for our future. These technologies are the now of this generation.