Technology in the Math Class Reflection

A great amount of technology has been utilized during this summer semester of math methods. At the beginning of each class period, we were asked to sign in on the SmartBoard, using something other than the pen. This allowed students to work with this piece of technology and familiarize themselves with features. Additionally, each student was assigned to show the rest of the class a SmartBoard feature at some point during the semester. This was a really useful activity, because I learned a lot of new things about the SmartBoard and some of its features. This will help me in my novice and student teaching placements, as well as in my own classroom once I graduate. Throughout the semester, one of our assignments was to watch two videos online that showed a math lesson taking place in a real classroom. Although these videos were long, I really took a lot away from both and wrote deep reflections on each. These videos were very interesting to watch and then reflect on. This was an excellent use of technology, and I enjoyed watching these videos much more than if we were asked to read an article about them. Two other forms of technology used this semester were Prezi and Jing recording software. I have used both of these in the past, but never simultaneously. We were to create a Prezi highlighting some of the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice, and then narrate that Prezi using Jing recording software. Although this took some practice and repeated tries (for me anyway!), this was a useful activity. These are two pieces of technology that I would definitely like to implement in my classroom one day.

We also utilized the website Blogger.com to post blogs continuously throughout the semester about our work. I have blogged before for other classes, and have always found it enjoyable. It is a great way to reflect on work. I know many practicing teachers who utilize blogs to keep their students' parents and family members up to date on class work. I think this is something I will definitely do in my classroom. Another assignment I completed this semester was searching for various math applets and apps for my assigned grade level, K-2. This was another meaningful experience, because I discovered cool applets and apps to use with my future students. We did use calculators a bit this semester, mostly for calculation work during activities. I feel very comfortable at this point in my education with the use of calculators, due to my past math classes in both high school and my early years of college. The final piece of technology utilized this semester was the creation of videos discussing our curriculum project. I have created videos before for assignments, but none as long as this video. This was an interesting and challenging experience for my group members and I. A great amount of technology was used this semester, and I feel that it will really benefit me with my future in teaching.