Teaching and Learning Mathematics with Interactive Spreadsheets Notes
I hadn't thought about the need that teachers of teachers have to teach future teachers the importance of technology.
Learning with technology can be more useful than learning about technology.
"One unique use of spreadsheets is the ability to interactively model and simulate mathematical situations"
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open- ended teaching and learning situations, laboratory like environment.
Teaching teachers to use these, then teachers can use them. ... how profound...
Randbetween, countif
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can help teach probability in different ways than dice and coins
can help students see larger numbers in a simulation (flipping coins) than they can do by hand
links between cells create interactive formulas and functions
can graph functions
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sequence generator
can do repetition without having to type it in every time
scroll bar
can change the numerator or denominator quickly with the scroll bar
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can provide extension for the popular problem of having a fixed amount of fencing, and wanting the most area
spreadsheet allows us to change parameters easily
easy to search for patterns
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"With careful planning a teacher can design a spreadsheet and use the scroll bars to encourage students to explore 'what if' questions"
Teachers should plan lessons with technology. whole group, small group or individual
Experimental probabilities lesson
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Distance, rate, time lesson
projectile motion lesson
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"Interactive spreadsheets can promote open- ended exploration of mathematical concepts, take advantage of spreadsheet capabilities that allow the learner to extend beyond, or significantly enhance what could be done using paper and pencil, and give teachers and students an opportunity to discover mathematical concepts in a laboratory like setting."