Technology in a Math Class.... What?!

So with our students growing up so technologically savvy, your child can probably send a text, reply to a post on Facebook, send out a tweet, record something on the DVR, and download a mp3 all at the same time. It is amazing how quickly kids adapt to the ever changing stream of new technologies!

But even with the push for producing students that are competent with 21st century skills and have been exposed to different forms of technology and how to utilize them in a professional or personal manner, it is often our schools that are lagging behind in the technology department. While it is usually a lack of monetary resources that keep schools from being up-to-date with the latest and greatest, there are often many teachers (and parents) that don't understand what the big deal is over a new piece of equipment. What is so great about a document camera when an overhead projector serves the same purpose? What can a SmartBoard do that a white board can't? Why am I having the students use clickers instead of just raising their hands? Often this resistance to technology stems from a lack of education on the new equipment, so I am here to provide some enlightenment.

One way that we as teachers (and parents) can utilize technology in a math classroom is through different online assessment programs. The two that we have focused on in Davidson County are ClassScape and Castle Learning. (NCFalcon is another online resource that the schools will be introducing in the fall).

Programs like ClassScape and Castle Learning are excellent tools for the students to use in the classroom and at home for several reasons:

1. They allow students the opportunity to use the computer and become more knowledgeable on how to navigate and find what they need


2. The programs provide the students immediate feedback


3. There are varied level of difficulties to meet the ability levels of all students


4. Working with these programs allow students to work at their own pace


5. Progress is saved within the program so if a student doesn't finish at school, he or she can finish it at home

Parents often ask how they can help their child at home and this is one of my recommendations: if you have a computer at home with internet access, encourage your student to complete their ClassScape or Castle Learning assignments. There are many times in the computer lab where a computer won't start or there are other technical issues so it is not uncommon for a student to not complete an assignment. If parents are aware of the potential for there being unfinished assignments online, it would be so helpful for those assignments to get completed at home.

If you are interested in seeking out more practice problems for your student, please see your child's teacher so he or she can set up more problems on either one of these programs. The one caveat to ClassScape is you cannot access it past 6pm nor on Sundays. Something to keep in mind if you want your student to work on extra practice.

Here are two short YouTube videos showing students how to log on to Castle Learning:



And ClassScape:


I hope this post was successful in educating you in how we are incorporating technology in our classrooms at Ledford. Please encourage your student to complete his ClassScape or Castle Learning Assignments and as always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: mtetter@davidson.k12.nc.us

References:

Castle Learning. Castle Learning Online Review, Testing, and Assessment. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://castlelearning.com

ClassScape. ClassScape Assessment System. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.classscape.org

Classroom Clickers. Classroom Clickers. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.classroomclickers.com/

Document Camera. ELMO Focus on the Future. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.elmousa.com/digital-visual-presenters.php

NC FALCON. NC FALCON Log In. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://center.ncsu.edu/falcon/login/index.php

SMART. SMART Board Interactive Whiteboards. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Interactive+whiteboards+and+displays/SMART+Board+interactive+whiteboards

You Tube. Castle Learning Introduction. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUY0eebUW9Q

You Tube. ClassScape Podcast. Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEs9lJPj2oM