Computers in the Elementary Math Curriculum

EDDV 667-011

Morris W. Brooks

Betsy Smith Read

June 22 - July 2, 1998

 

Office: 301 C Willard Hall Building

Office Hours: 12:30 - 1:00 (Pearson Hall)

Lab will be staffed in the afternoon - and by appointment - for software review till 3:30

 

Required Readings:

Packet of Required Readings for EDDV 667 - in the ERC and MSERC
Research Readings in Morris Library
Handouts in class

Course Outline:

The purpose of this course is to provide methods, materials and activities to enhance student learning and teacher instruction in mathematics through technology. The University of Delaware Conceptual Framework and the State of Delaware Content Standards will be the foundation for students in this course. Participants will learn to incorporate technology into their ability to use reflective practice to serve diverse communities of learners as scholars, problem solvers, and partners. We will explore a variety of technological tools to meet the needs, strengths and learning styles of the diverse student population in the elementary mathematics classroom.

Following the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the State of Delaware Mathematics Standards and current research in mathematics it is anticipated each of you will explore a variety of:

A. Purposes for using technology

B. Software content

C. Methods of presenting content

D. Ways to integrate technology into the mathematics curriculum

E. Assessments of student learning

F. Classroom management issues

Click here for the NCTM Curriculum Standards.

Delaware state math Curriculum Standards.

Teachers will be given guidelines in:

A. Selecting the proper technology

B. Preparing for using the material

C. Guiding the technology activity

D. Assessment and follow up for the activity

In addition to time spent in the classroom, it is expected that students devote time outside of class inspecting and evaluating software and web sites, reading relevant articles, developing a unit project, and preparing for software presentations. Each participant will be expected to complete a review form for at least two pieces of educational software and two web sites (one - a teacher resource site with lesson plans and one an interactive site for students). The review forms to be used will be distributed in class.

Mathematics instructional computer software, videos, and videodiscs will be available for review at116 Pearson Hall computing site, where the class takes place, the MSERC in Pearson, and the College of Education computing lab in room 203 - l Willard Hall Building. Additional software and videodiscs are available for review in the Educational Resource Center on the ground floor of Willard Hall.

Course Requirements:

1. Research Article Critique -

Each participant is expected to read at least one short research article on the subject of technology in elementary mathematics teaching. Choose one article and write a two to three page summary to give to instructors. Research critique due Friday , June 25, 1997. Typed paper format will be passed out in class.

A list of possible research articles is contained in the appendix to this syllabus. Most of these articles are available in bound copies of the journals at the University's Morris Library. You will need to make a photocopy of the article, to turn in with your critique on Friday. You may substitute an article of your choosing with the instructors' permission.

2. Software Presentation -

Working in teams of three, the participants are expected to make a 15 minute presentation to the class on one package of their choice. Groups need to choose their software title early. You should approach this as if you have been asked to evaluate the purchase of a software package site license for your school at an after school faculty meeting. You will explain your selection and support your reasons for deciding for or against it. You will be held to the 15 minute time limit. Two presentations will be given on the following date - June 25, 26, 29, 30,. ( You will sign up in class Tues. June 23.)

3. Materials Review and Critique

Each participant should complete a review and critique for at least 4 mathematics technology materials. Two software reviews and two web site reviews ( One web site review must be a teacher resource, preferably one with lesson plans and one must be a student interactive site ) are due Tuesday, June 29,1998. Reviews will be typed and double spaced. Software and web site review formats will be distributed in class.

Click here for some Elementary Math Web Sites.

Click here to search the WHL 203-I software collection.

 

4. Pedagogy Review -

Individually choose a mathematics and technology pedagogy article from a current journal (e.g. NCTM's Teaching Children Mathematics or Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.)

Summarize the main points and discuss how the ideas in the article could enhance your mathematics teaching. This paper will be typed, double spaced, paragraph form, and between one and two pages in length . ( Copies of possible articles will be on reserve in the MSERC - Pearson Hall and ERC - Willard Hall.) Pedagogy Review is due Monday June, 30.

5. Instructional Unit Plans -

Working in pairs, participants are expected to complete a project, based on educational research and the state of Delaware Mathematics Standards, consisting of a plan for a curriculum unit that uses technology for one grade level and in a mathematics content area [e.g. Number Concepts and Number Operations (+,-,x,:,) for whole numbers, fraction, or decimals ], appropriate to their teaching assignment. The unit topic is due Thursday, June 25,1997 and the outline of your technology plan and cover sheet will be submit Friday June 26. An oral presentation will be given by the pair on June 30, July 1,2. ( A sign up sheet will be passed around in class)

Each class member must submit written description of the unit plan on Wednesday July 8,1998 (12:00) or before to Morris Brooks' office ( 301 - C Willard Hall ) or Betsy Read's mailbox in the first floor mailroom.

Course Grading System:

1. Research Article Critique 15 % June 25, 1998 ( Fri.)

2. Software Presentation 15 % June 25, 26, 29, 30

3. Unit Cover Sheet (typed) 10% June 29, 1998 ( Mon.)

Unit Plan Chart

4. Materials Reviews - written 10% June 29, 1998 ( Mon.)

5. Pedagogy Article Critique 15% June 30, 1998 ( Tues.)

6. Instructional Unit Plan - Oral 15 % by June 30, July 1,2

7. Instructional Unit Plan - Written 20% by June 8 (12:00) to 301 - C Willard or Betsy Read's mailbox in mailroom

90%,80%,70%, and 60% will be used as general guidelines for minimum levels of A, B, C, and D respectively.

All assignments must be turned in on the specific date. All assignments must by typed.

In a lab course such as this, attendance is essential. Absences will greatly decrease the value of the course. Roll will be taken at the beginning of class, if you are late it is your responsibility to notify the instructor of your presence.

Click here for notes on history of technology and math instruction.

Click here for notes on modes of instruction and good CAI.

Click here for some other categories math instructional software.

Download your free copy of MSWLogo and find links to other LOGO Resources.

Here's a on-line bibliography for readings about the Geometer's Sketchpad.