Packing Slip 
item |
Technology and Teaching Mathematics with an International Perspective |
contact |
Laura Watkins (Glendale Community College) laura.watkins@gcmail.maricopa.edu |
college(s) |
Glendale Community College |
discipline(s) |
Mathematics |
summary |
My summer project focused on use of technology in the teaching of Mathematics. I explored the use of the software package Matlab in the teaching of Calculus, as well as attending an international conference on mathematics education(ICME-11). |
details |
My Summer Project focused on the use of technology in the teaching of mathematics. I explored the use of Matlab in the teaching of Calculus. I learned how Matlab treats mathematical objects so that I could use the software to graph functions (in 2D and 3D), solve problems (e.g. systems of equations, related rates) and visualize vectors. Additionally, I attended the International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-11) and took advantage of the opportunity to participate in discussion groups on the use of technology in mathematics education. ------------------------------------------------------------ Outcomes: In a paragraph or two describe what worked well. Did you accomplish your objective(s)? Were you able to complete your summer project as written? If not, what did you modify and why? What did not go as well as expected, if anything? Were there any surprises? Note: Use the questions as guides for your outcomes. Do not include detailed list of workshops attended, speakers who presented, or a list of items you have seen, heard, or read. ------------------------------------------------------------ My Summer Project objectives were all achieved. I did find I had to modify my proposed schedule for learning Matlab. The software crashed and I had to wait for replacement. I did find that implementation of this software was quite similar to Maple (the software I had previously used). Attendance at the ICME-11 conference in Monterrey, Mexico was a tremendous experience. I came away from the conference with a better understanding of how technology is being used in mathematics education around the world. The discussion groups I participated in allowed me to discuss interesting uses of technology. For example, a software package from Brazil designed specifically for deaf students. ------------------------------------------------------------ Professional Growth: Your own professional growth is a large part of your project. Your professional growth is important to you, your students, your college, and possibly other colleagues. How did project affect you professionally? What skills did you learn? What environments were you working in and how might your summer project influence your teaching or other responsibilities? Did you gain a different perspective? Was it professionally valuable for you? ------------------------------------------------------------ It was important for me to have the time to learn the intracacies of Matlab. GCC will have this package available for Calculus instructors this Fall. Following this experience with attendance at ICME-11 permitted me to better envision uses of the software. Additionally, I was exposed to ways of implementing technology usage in my other courses. This was an extremely valuable experience for me. ------------------------------------------------------------ Dissemination: How will you share this information with your colleagues, department, students, or college? ------------------------------------------------------------ I will be able to teach my students the use of Matlab which can help them increase their understanding and proficiency in Calculus (MAT 220 - MAT 240). Additionally, I hope to be able to help students in my other courses be more successful and build a better understanding of mathematics through appropriate use of technology inside and out of the classroom. I will be sharing what I have learned with my colleagues in the Math Department when I return from sabbatical. Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback via the comments form below. |
web links |
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/fpg/ |
supplements |
ICME 11 Report (document) Note! As a professional courtesy to the owner of this package, if you use some aspect of this package or have some thoughts about it, please share your feedback below. |
shareback |
A "Shareback" cites the places on the web that mention, reference, or use this MLX package, and "shares" that information back here (more about shareback...) Sharebacks can be generated automatically by weblog tools. |
extra |
Last modified: Aug-23-2008 Date created: Aug-23-2008 Visitor count: 269 Dublin Core Metadata record  This package is included in the Faculty Professional Growth Summer Project Reports special collection. |
Maricopa Learning eXchange
http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/mlx/slip.php?item=2117
