Andy+Griner


 * My name is Andre Griner. I am a secondary math education major at Clemson University. I want to be a math teacher, because I want to help students understand the beauty and importance of math. I love camping and being outdoors.**



==What are your current beliefs concerning the use of technological aids in the teaching of mathematics?==

Technology is a good and bad resources for teachers to use. It is an extremely good resource if a teacher uses it effectively and efficiently. However, many teachers do not know how to use technology to its full usage; they only use its minimal capabilities. Teachers who use technology to its full measure can make a big impact on the lives of their students.

How did your teachers use technological aids when you were learning mathematics?
My teachers did not use technological aids very often. They usually only used a program that showed a calculator on the projector so all the students could see what was on the calculator.

==Please give me a brief summary of your experiences using technology? Be sure to include any technology you used in teaching experiences as well as personal experiences.==

The extent of my technology use in the classroom consists of calculators and a little bit of smart board usage. I do not have much experience in using technology in my teaching experiences.

**Online Assessment Tools**
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[|Vote Now]


 * Reflection:**

A benefit of //Poll Everywhere// is that a teacher can gauge where his/her students are in their thinking based on the poll results. It can also help students be motivated to actually participate because this activity involves technology that is relevant to them. I would use this technology for homework, but I would not use it during class. I think this technology would take to much time out of class to actually make it beneficial to the students. But if done outside of the class, students will have more time to think and evaluate, making their learning and the teacher's learning more beneficial.


 * Video Recording:**

The video I watched was on solving systems of linear equations. The guy who recorded the video showed how to solve systems of linear equations using graphing, substitution, and elimination. The video had poor sound quality but the video seemed to help several students.Also, students were able to help each other with discussions through the comment section. The person doing the video did not go to in-depth with his explanations but this allowed for students to help each other. I think the ability to make comments on videos in an important element in video teaching.

Link to video: [|http://www.khanacademy.org/video/systems-of-equations?playlist=Algebra]

4. Microsoft Mathematics 4.0


Mathematics 4.0 is pretty cool, and I would use it in my classroom to show different mathematical concepts. I would use the graphing tools the most because of all the different features available. I would allow my students to use this program for some out of class activities but not all. The algebraic tools on this program are pretty powerful, making solving systems of equations very simple. I would want my students to do more of the algebraic things by hand, but I would on certain visual assignments I would allow them to use this program. I think many students would be more intrigued by mathematics after using this software. Because of its simplicity and engaging content, I think students could learn much from using this Microsoft Mathematics 4.0.

5. Smart Board Math Tools
[|http://express.smarttech.com/?url=http://exchangedownloads.smarttech.com/public/content/c7/c7f371d6-d667-4ca2-aa8f-2b42a76f896f/systemofequations.notebook#]

MA.9-12.IA-1.3 Apply algebraic methods to solve problems in real-world contexts

The lesson is meant to apply students knowledge of systems of linear equations to a contextual problem. In this case the contextual problem deals with renting or buying snowboarding equipment.

This lesson is different than a traditional lecture because it is getting students involved with working on a real life problem. It is all on the smartboard, so the teacher does not have to do much talking. He/she just has to show the problem and have the students work on it together or alone.

This is less interactive than MS Mathematics 4.0. Also, this lesson does not show all the steps in solving a problem like MS 4.0.

I do not think this lesson gives the students enough time to explore the problem on their own; therefore, they may not learn as deeply as if they had more time to play around with the problem.

I would make separate slides so that the students are not given all the information all at one time.

6. GeoGebra Reflection
a) Dynamic mathematics environment are very important for contributing to students' learning. It allows students to see mathematical change right in front of them. Also, dynamic mathematics help students see the underlining concepts in mathematics.

b) I think that GSP is more user friendly, but I feel like GeoGebra is more "free" and changeable. I think you can do more things with GeoGebra but I am not sure, because I have not used both programs enough.