As I shared in my last four blog posts, this blog series, #TechUptheMath, will focus on six applications over the course of the next few weeks that I believe create transformative learning experiences in math. They take the learning targets and infuse technology in such a way that it does one or more of the following:
Visualize: Allows students to visualize the math concept in a way not possible without the technology
Multimodal Learning: Many of these applications offer students more than one way to share their thinking
Interaction: Many of these programs empower our students to interact with their classmates' or teacher's math thinking.
How can Desmos #TechUpThe Math?
Desmos' Classroom Activities allow students and their teacher to engage in a process of math discovery. Desmos' Activity Builder contains a huge collection of premade activities, or you can create your own. I recently learned about this amazing part of Desmos when I attended a Desmos session at GaETC21. Since then, I have enjoyed trying out this new program and seeing its impact with the students in our school.
Seeing The Power of Desmos
While coteaching lessons in my school this year, two of my teachers have done Desmos lessons with me.
Ms. Hutchinson-Smith's class did Comparing Fractions on a Number Line.
Ms. Layton's class did Twin Puzzles using order of operations.
A #TechUptheMath Highlight
One great example of why Desmos #techsupthe math is when Ms. Hutchinson-Smith's class worked on Comparing Fractions on a Number Line. I loved how the program led the students through a process of inquiry and then allowed them to see relationships between the fractions. In addition, with the teacher dashboard, I was able to see the thinking process of all of my students and send feedback as needed. When needed, I could also present student work anonymously with a snapshot for further discussion.
So how does this #TechUpThe Math and show VMI?
These #TechUptheMath lessons clearly empowered visualizing the math using the digital tools. Students were clearly able to visualize the math concepts that they were learning about using the simulations. Students were easily able to see concepts in a way that they could not without the assistance of the technology. In addition, due to the teacher dashboard, students were able to have increased interactions with their teacher too.
Join me to #TechUptheMath and share your ideas
Over the next few blog posts, consider adding some of these tech tools into your math classroom. Check their VMI and see how they can transform learning. Post your ideas and successes using the #TechUptheMath and tag me @TannenbaumTech. I can't wait to see what you share! Did you miss Parts 1 ,2, and 3 check them out here: Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.