Sometimes the technology can drive the math

In all that I have studied, the "science" of math has driven the technology industry, especially in education. I like to also use technology (apps like Desmos, devices like iPads, SMART boards, etc.) to relay conceptual foundations for the math topics. I also like to frequent Richard Byrnes' site for ideas on teaching mathematics to middle and high school students (Free Technology 4 Teachers-see Math Games and Resources)

I have seen many on #Twitter and other social media provide their own recommendations for some of their favorite things they used in the last year. In my own reflection for 2017, I would say Desmos definitely rocked. It also helped me find different ways to teach, especially smaller groups.

Fezzik: Well, I haven't fought one person for so long. I've been specialised in groups, battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing.
Westley: Why should that make such a
[squashed painfully]
Westley: difference?
Fezzik: You use different moves when you're fighting half a dozen people, than when you only have to be worried about one --Princess Bride

My favorite class during my master's class was Differentiation with Technology. Sometimes the technology is just a piece of paper, sometimes it provides a better way to commit to a process. It should NOT be just another means to distribute Kill and Drill sheets. I digress...

My other tools include "A Matter of Survival" project through NCTM's archives (the 90's?) a nice way to get a snapshot of the students' abilities, without it looking like a diagnostic/assessment. Like I mentioned before I have a unique group of 8th graders, and their abilities are well hidden, and not classically inclined (i.e., traditional math "skills"), but they are starting to talk (a little) mathematically! Another set is using a set of videos and virtual field trip tools for my careers class, just because I was hesitant to let them out on real field trips. Undercover Boss also gave them a look behind what some of the workers go through on their daily jobs.

My all time favorite is yet not here: teaching technology to 7th graders! I heard they were a challenging group, but I can unleash my flurry of techno at them to inspire wonder and attain some basic skills (unfortunately I only get each section for a quarter).

With the latest hype of data mining, I cringe at the prospect of continued use with Google products (current content included--Blogger is a Google product and has been for several years). However I will try to keep changing it up because every year the youth seem to know a little more tech in other ways than I do (however deviant).

Til I chalk again,

Mr. Shel

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