Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) is an important technology that develops enriched teaching and learning environments, because the instrumental characteristics of this software are appropriate to accomplish the internalisation process of incorporating mathematical knowledge (Mavrotheris, Mavrotheris & Maouri, 2004, p. 115).
Dynamic Geometry Software includes packages such as Cabri Geometre, the Geometer’s Sketchpad and Thales. These enable users to define objects such as points, lines (or segments, rays and vectors) and circles (or arcs) and to construct geometric objects by classical constructions (straight edge and compass), linear transformations (translation, rotation, dilation, reflection) and/or algebraic relationships using coordinates (Cartesian and polar). Measurements may be made, on which computations can be performed and from which other objects can be defined. Loci of moving points and envelopes of moving lines can be defined and drawn, and such curves will change shape instantly as adjustments are made to their defining objects (parameters).
Reference:
Mavrotheris, E., Mavrotheris, M., & Maouri, C. (2004) Towards a More Constructive Use of Technology in Mathematics and Science, 115-116.
This video podcast talks about a voice recognition program that has helped a student with their learning. It has motivated students to do more work.
Listen hear to learn more.
There are many resources that can be used to engage and enhance students learning from the world wide web. A really good resource I found was teachertube.com.
Teacher tube clips vary from short lesson presentations which students could view at the beginning of a topic, to examples of events which students could then explore. It is also a good resource for teachers, in that it brings ideas forward to enhance their teaching techniques. Students find the use of such multimedia engaging, particularly when it puts across a message in a few words and hence allows the material to be meaningful and more enjoyable to learn.
Do more males prefer to use technology as a learning tool compared to females?
Research has shown significantly fewer female students are enrolling in technology education courses.
According to the research done by Weber and Custer (2005) on the preferences of females in technology education, females prefer activities that focus on design and communication.
Males preferred activities where the creation of an artifact, such as a dragster, was an end in itself. On the other hand, females preferred activities such as Medical technology.
Weber, K. & Custer, R. (2005). Gender based preferences toward technology education content, activities and instructional methods. Journal of Technology Education, 16(2), 505-71, Millersville University, PA.
I found Pauls blogging about Wikis rather interesting.
Wikis are used in all KLAs and are a good learning tool especially when students want to know about different concepts. Currently in our science methods we have created a wiki that shows different teaching strategies that could be used to help teach students. Everyone has been putting their feedback and edited where needed to perfect the strategy.
Wikis can be used in science when wanting to put up concepts and definitions of words. Everyone can contribute and edit to perfect the meaning of the concept.
I was looking up some different learning technologies that could be used to teach students science in k-12. I came across a really good reading accidently as i was looking through the DET website.
It talks about the different software programs that could be used to teach science, and make it more meaningful to students. It shows different program descriptors of each of the program it researched and ways where it can be beneficial to both the student and the teacher. Great reading to look at, especially when you need different science resources.
It focuses on different recommendations for technology based instruction including:
- The focus on comprehensive curriculum
- Modelling and simulation
- Kit based inquiry activities
- Learning environments
All these programs mentioned in this reading are a great resource in enhancing and engaging students understanding of science.
Reference:
I found very interesting the blog that Mark did on teaching POE’s digitally. As a science teacher i would find this most beneficial for students to learn from as they can visually see the experiment being done on the computer. Hence, when it comes to doing it in real life it would be easy for them to do.
How students teach teachers about technology
This is a good video worth watching.
It talks about her students are teaching teachers about learning from education. As Don mentioned in his reading about teaching teachers about digital, this video shows that the students know more about technology than us.
Digital Storytelling by High School Students - 25 min - May 5, 2008
Michigan Foundation for Education Leadership – www.mfel.org
I was looking at a page in the DET for different resources that can be used for different KLAs. I found this site to be very beneficial.
One really good program that i got addicted to was the visual thesauraus. You type in a word, and a mind map of all the different similar words come up. I found it very useful, and would be great benefit to students. I tried the free trial however the full program needs to be bought. But its a good investment
