Chapter 2

Focus Question:  How can students express their creativity using technology?

Students now more than ever, are being exposed all types of technology ouside of the classroom setting. Video games, social networks like Facebook, searching tools like Google, music, the iPod, Touch, or Phone, don't even scratch the sruface of how much our students utilize the internet on a daily basis. However, are these students effectively learning how to utilize these programs/gadgets properly, or are they simply using them for their pleasure? This is where, as educators, we must step in and make a difference! Instead of banning these gadgets from the classroom, why not allow them have fun with the things they already have fun with inside the classroom? Teaching students how to create multimedia presentations, how to correctly search the web, and using graphing calculators are a great way for students to be creative in the classroom. This way they would be more engaged, focused, and they would actually be learning something new. Teaching them how to properly use these new technologies will allow them to be well equipped for their future jobs, and even more important the new generation of "tech geeks".

Tech Tools:

One thing I especially loved about this Chapter 2 was the tech tools. It seemed as if every single tech tool section provided something that aspiring math theachers could use in the classroom. Before reading this chapter I was still a little confused about how to use new technologies within a math class, but the websites provided made it simple and fun. (I guess I was rewawlly nervous about finding effective tools to use in a math class.)

Summary:

Chapter 2 really showed me how possible it can be to use technology in unique and creative way - bya allowing the students to create and this will transform their learning capabilities. Collaborative activities will allow students to become imaginative and learn how to express themselves through their original works.