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Teaching Mathematics with
The Geometer's Sketchpad®

In this course, we'll explore ways in which the teaching and learning of math in grades 6 through calculus can be enhanced by appropriate use of dynamic mathematics software such as Sketchpad. We'll construct sketches from scratch and use existing activities and highly-authored sketches to cover topics in middle school, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus (you don't need to know or remember calculus!). We will also learn about Sketchpad topics such as animation, action buttons, presentation sketches, transformations and iterations, and the construction and use of custom tools.

While no Sketchpad experience is necessary, openness to and familiarity with various forms of technology-enhanced instruction will be helpful. It will also be helpful for you to have a sense of what Sketchpad can do and to have seen the program in action. If you have not, we recommend that you take some time to learn a bit about Sketchpad and see it in action by viewing some of the videos available at http://www.youtube.com/user/KeyCurriculumPress.

One of the interesting aspects of this course is that we will have a mix that includes graduate students from the Mathematics Learning and Teaching master's program (who are taking MTED 661 - Teaching Mathematics with The Geometer's Sketchpad® for graduate credit) and teachers from the wider Math Forum community (who are taking it for continuing education credits only). This should provide a nice sized group for interaction, along with useful variety in mathematical approaches and teaching experience.

Download the syllabus (PDF)

This moderated course will be led by Annie Fetter, Problem of the Week Administrator. It will take place online using Blackboard. The only technical requirements are a web browser, Internet access, and Sketchpad 5*.

Who: Open to all teachers and tutors working with middle and high school mathematics.

When:

April 1 - June 10, 2013
Registration closes at 5 pm EST on Friday, March 29, 2013. There will be approximately 30 hours of seat-work involved in this course.

Credit: All individuals who successfully complete this pass/fail course will receive a certificate indicating that they have completed 30 hours of professional development. This is equivalent to 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Note that CEUs can never be converted to graduate credits for this course.

Cost: $149

      Register now!

* While there are no books to buy for the course, participants are required to have a copy of The Geometer's Sketchpad 5, which is available directly from Key Curriculum Press. (All purchasing options of the program are the same in terms of the product you get. The differences are in the licensing terms, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for you.)

Please email me with any questions.

Annie Fetter