for math & technology |
CLIME Session at NCTM
Highlights
Handhelds, Microworlds and the Web: New Vistas for Learning & Teaching Mathematics by Ihor Charischak |
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And a very special thanks to these two Friends of CLIME for all their support! |
Setting the stage: On Laptops,
Microworlds, and the Web
Gary Stager 
Gary got the ball rolling by talking about computationally rich learning environments. He shared the work that he and Seymour Papert are doing at the Maine Youth Center, the state facility for adjudicated youth, where kids are constructing Lego machines that do interesting things: like an ingenious conveyor belt system designed to route baggage at the airport which you can see in action at Garyís website.  Gary's
main message? Kids need real computers for constructing knowledge.
But what is a "real computer"? Gary's answer is a laptop which I
think everyone would agree with. But what about handhelds - those ubiquitious
machines that most of us take for granted? In the math classroom that usually
means a graphing calculator.
Handheld Software Applications for the TI-83 Plus & TI-73 &
A Taste of Virtual Manipulatives
Margo shared her experience with graphing calculators and the potential
they have to offer to students for constructing knowledge. Margo also talked about virtual manipulatives which are microworlds for learning. Though these kinds of applications are mostly available on laptops, they are beginning to appear on hand held computers as well. (See web references below.) Handhelds in a Networked Environment - An Exciting Sack Race
A Microworld Sampler: the Probability Explorer
Probability Explorer (Stohl, 1999-2002) is a research-based software
application designed with tools that enable students and teachers to design,
simulate, and analyze a variety of probabilistic situations. The software
environment can be used for a variety of activities from upper elementary
grades through high school. For more information, see http://www.probexplorer.com
A vision of the future: Some final reflections
What kind of computer will my granddaughter be using when she starts
school oh say 25 years from now? It will have lots of capabilities. It
will have voice recognition, access to high resolution video, take incredible
pictures, play digital music and movies, communicate everywhere wirelessly
and all that power will be easily fit in the palm of my hand (no
pun intended). How is that possible? What she will have in her hand is
a CPU that will seamless fit into any desktop, handheld, or robotic device.
The ultimate personal amplifier!
So what is vision of the future? Its clear that the technology will be able to do whatever we figure out is best to use with kids. The price always comes down as well. Do we want one machine or several small machines (like lego programmable bricks.) So far Iíve learned that laptops and handhelds can do a lot amazing things and this will continue as long there are developers out there (like Hollylyne and Jim) who are creating well thought and researched software environments . Whatís at the heart of learning is student engagement and microworlds are places that incubate knowledge. From constructing conveyor belts, playing engaging games with the teacher, finding out about the world through sensors the kids want to learn. That is the ultimate paradigm for schools. Imagine school being a place where kids want to be and look forward to going because of what they will be doing and learning. So what's the answer? Handhelds or laptops? Does it really matter as
long as it empowers children to learn?
Gary Stager
Margo Lynn Mankus
Her main TI project includes topics in Algebra 1 for the TI-83 Plus
and TI-73
Her favorites are the Base Ten Block activity at
and the Area Formula Lab
Jim Kaput
Hollylynne Drier
Probability Explorer website
Laptops, Learners and Powerful Ideas A conference at the University of Maine. Seymour Papert, Alan Kay, and many others. August 14-16, 2002 http://www.agent.maine.edu/laptop/ brought to you by the
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She
shared several concrete, real world examples of how students can learn
about important mathematical topics with the use of TI-83 programs. Using
a CBL device Margo simulated a voltage probe that can be used to connect
science with math. Small steps need to be taken with many teachers so that
the reform movement won't overwhelm them. These TI apps or "microworlds"
are a good way to move teachers from traditional to reform curriculum.
Admittedly a laptop would be a better environment, but look what you can
do for a fraction of the cost!
Jim Kaput
shared a game that would definitely engage kids in learning.
What was special about Jim's example was not so much the technology (his
graphics reminded me of the early days of microcomputers) but what he did
with them.
He made
graphs of events come alive and engaging which just shows that slick graphics
aren't always necessary to produce rewarding outcomes.
