Assignment

Marvelino M. Niem July 23, 2008
BSE 4m

SEMTECH


Assignment:
Choose two programs.
In what particular lesson can you use those programs?
Explain details how you integrate it.
What makes it effective compared to traditional method?


Answer:
LINEAR ALGEBRA 2
· This program can be use in solving matrices, finding solution of linear system of equations adding matrices, scalar and vector multiplication and other topics under linear algebra.
· Using this program, instead of solving it manually using paper and pen, it takes less time because you will take less time and effort because you will just input the data and then the answer is just one click away.
· It is very effective compared to traditional method aside from the time spent and the effort gave, the answer is surely accurate. But then the disadvantage of this is the students will be more dependent on it to the extent that they will miss the step-by-step or the procedures on how to solve it manually. Like in scalar and vector multiplication, Cramers rule, reducing to row echelon form, etc.

VISUAL SHAPES
· This program can be use in geometry class specifically in topics involving shapes and polygon.
· Like in geometry for example the topic is about polygon, I will show some of the shapes like triangle, square, pentagon, etc. which are input in the software and then I will ask them to arrange it. Say for example triangle and then after arranging it I will discuss some information with regard to the shape presented to them.
· It is effective because the students visualize the actual shapes and then manipulate it. It is also helps the students to think critically how the shape or the pattern of the shapes will be. Lastly, they will enjoy what they doing.



REACTION PAPER
Technology is an essential tool for learning mathematics in the 21st century, and all schools must ensure that all their students have access to technology. Effective teachers maximize the potential of technology to develop students’ understanding, stimulate their interest, and increase their proficiency in mathematics. When technology is used strategically, it can provide access to mathematics for all students.
Calculators and other technological tools, such as computer algebra systems, interactive geometry software, applets, spreadsheets, and interactive presentation devices, are vital components of a high-quality mathematics education. With guidance from effective mathematics teachers, students at different levels can use these tools to support and extend mathematical reasoning and sense making, gain access to mathematical content and problem-solving contexts, and enhance computational fluency. In a well-articulated mathematics program, students can use these tools for computation, construction, and representation as they explore problems. The use of technology also contributes to mathematical reflection, problem identification, and decision making.
The use of technology cannot replace conceptual understanding, computational fluency, or problem-solving skills. In a balanced mathematics program, the strategic use of technology enhances mathematics teaching and learning. Teachers must be knowledgeable decision makers in determining when and how their students can use technology most effectively. All schools and mathematics programs should provide students and teachers with access to instructional technology, including appropriate calculators, computers with mathematical software, Internet connectivity, handheld data-collection devices, and sensing probes. Curricula and courses of study should incorporate instructional technology in learning outcomes, lesson plans, and assessments of students’ progress.
Programs in teacher education and professional development must continually update practitioners’ knowledge of technology and its classroom applications. Such programs should include the development of mathematics lessons that take advantage of technology-rich environments and the integration of technology in day-to-day instruction, instilling an appreciation for the power of technological tools and their potential impact on students’ learning and use of mathematics. All teachers must remain open to learning new technologies, implementing them effectively in a coherent and balanced instructional program. These tools, including those used specifically for teaching and learning mathematics, not only complement mathematics teaching and learning but also prepare all students for their future lives, which technology will influence every day.
These tools, including those used specifically for teaching and learning mathematics, not only complement mathematics teaching and learning but also prepare all students for their future lives, which technology will influence every day.
- (NCTM)
In this year, we are in a computer generation world that’s why it is a must for a teacher today to be a computer literate teacher.
Technologies as link to new knowledge, resources and high order thinking skills have entered classrooms and schools worldwide. Personal computers, CD-ROMS, on line services, the World Wide Web and other innovative technologies have enriched curricula and altered the types of teaching have available in the classroom. Schools’ access to technology is increasing steadily everyday and most of these newer technologies are now even used in traditional classrooms (Salandan, G. et al., 2006).

The technology utilization in the classroom specifically in some private schools should take a balance approach. The use of technology should not maximize because of its limitations and we must look on other hand the traditional approach.

On the other hand, there are some roles of technology in achieving the goal of learning with understanding (Goldman, S, Williams, R. et al, 1996). They are the following:
· Technology provides support to the solution of meaningful problems.
· Technology acts as cognitive support.
· Technology promotes collaboration as well as independent learning.

Because of some roles of technology, it is also the goal of the teacher to teach the students and mold them to be better than the teacher, so the utilization and integration of technology together with the traditional approach will help the students fully in their learning and I think this is the right combination of strategies.

Lastly, I formulate the formula in learning. This is the equqtion:

Tecnology + Traditional Approach = Learnings
(computers, calculators) + (chalk and board) = (n_n)