Although this video was short I believe that many NETS standards could be seen. Some of the standards were implied due to the segment of the lesson that was being taught. For example, I believe the students showed knowledge of the basic operations and concepts because they were all operating calculators. Seeing that, I am forced to believe that the teacher has previously been over the basics and the students now have a working knowledge of the calculator. Also, the student picked to operate the calculator connected to the overhead possessed the knowledge to clear the calculator.
While social, ethical, and human issues weren't covered technology productivity tools were. Calculators are a clearcut example of a piece of technology being used to enhance a students learning experience. Problem-solving skills can also be more effective when using a calculator.
If I were the teacher there are a few things that I would have done differently. I would have been more organized. There is a point in the video where the instructor has to look for a paper she cannot find. This wastes her time and the students time. Also, I would most likely be the one using the calculator connected to the overhead. By doing this I am preventing any students from feeling ostracized while at the same time showing them the correct manner in which to use the calculator. Within the lesson I would have tried to apply what math we were conducting on the calculator to real world problems. I believe by applying the problems to real world situations a greater interest could be found in the subject by the students. Another technique I would use would be a short quiz at the end where the students could ask anyone in the classroom to help them with one problem. This would allow each student the opportunity to incorporate communication into their mathematical learning experience.
Unfortunately this video was too short to get much substance out of. Technology can be, I believe, the most powerful learning tool available if properly utilized.
Great job on your first blog, David I know that identifying standards is not a terribly exciting way to kick off the semester, but it is a skill that will help us later on.
ReplyDeleteI think that technology should not be used just for the sake of using it - and personally, I kind of felt like the instructor pushed the calculators onto the students a little early. They seemed to struggle with the concept and the technology. It's one of the reasons why I love teaching this class - we focus on the integration as much as the tools. As with any tool, technology has its place in the classroom. It can be a blessing or a curse...sometimes both in the same day!
I like to use these videos to showcase examples of using technology in the classroom. They aren't always 'this is how you should do it' videos. Like this one, there is certainly room for improvement. But honestly, I admire any teacher willing to be recorded! And the videos give me a chance to showcase integration strategies that I would have shown in an on-campus course. You did a great job describing how you might have led this lesson differently.
Keep up the good work!