Throughout this semester, I had the privilege of learning "Teaching Mathematics in the Digital Age" with Dr. Ku. I have gained immense benefits from this course, despite it being just once a week. I developed a deep fondness for this class, particularly due to the group work dynamic. Collaborating with three other group members allowed us to work together on assignments and prepare presentations both during and outside of class. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with my group members, as we collectively strived towards our goals.
Looking back on this semester, we covered a wide range of applications used in mathematics. I initially chose this course because I realized that my teaching style, which primarily relied on lectures and exercises, lacked the liveliness, intuitiveness, and engagement that some students require😕.
I occasionally used Geogebra to teach function graphs, but through this course, I gained a broader understanding of various apps and their applications. One such app is Desmos, which I found more convenient and visually appealing than Geogebra. As I progressed in my learning, I envisioned several scenarios where I could incorporate these apps into my future teaching, including the use of Miro. For instance, I plan to conduct monthly collaborative Miro sessions with my students, creating an environment that is both relaxed and enjoyable while exposing them to a wider range of concepts and fostering group collaboration skills.
Moreover, we had the opportunity to deliver two presentations throughout the semester. The process of preparing materials for these presentations proved to be an excellent learning experience. We organized our knowledge, collected relevant exercises, and identified suitable applications. We carefully structured our teaching strategies, ensuring that the use of apps made the entire process more intuitive and enjoyable.
Our group frequently utilized Geogebra for visualizing function graphs, allowing students to observe their transformations. Additionally, we learned R and applied it in our second presentation, which focused on hypothesis testing. We compiled and categorized key concepts from secondary education, accompanied by real-life examples. We seamlessly incorporated the use of R and developed a Shiny app that showcased the impact of distribution changes on confidence intervals. This made the learning and teaching process effortless, enjoyable, and refreshing for the students.
During the process of preparing and delivering our presentations, one aspect that left a deep impression on me was the opportunity to evaluate and provide feedback to other groups. This exercise heightened our attention to the content of other group presentations and allowed us to consider the pros and cons of their approaches, enabling us to make adjustments to our own future classroom practices.
In our second presentation, we engaged in real-time interaction with other groups through the Padlet discussion board. While listening to each group's presentation, we actively posted suggestions and questions on the board. Each group had the chance to respond to our feedback immediately after their presentation. Likewise, after our own group's presentation, we addressed the questions and suggestions put forth by Dr. Ku and the other groups. I believe that the suggestions offered by both the teacher and our classmates were invaluable. They provided different perspectives and listened attentively to our presentation, offering thoughtful and constructive feedback that merits our consideration.
This interactive feedback process not only enhanced our learning experience but also fostered a sense of collaboration and growth within the class. It encouraged us to critically analyze and reflect upon our teaching strategies, identifying areas for improvement and contemplating alternative approaches. The diverse perspectives and insights shared by Dr. Ku and our peers broadened our horizons and enriched our understanding of effective teaching practices in the digital age.
So, the opportunity to evaluate other group presentations and engage in real-time discussions with both Dr. Ku and our classmates deeply impacted me. Their valuable suggestions and feedback, rooted in their unique perspectives and genuine attentiveness, allowed us to refine our own teaching approaches. I am grateful for the collaborative and supportive environment created in this course, which has contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Although this semester is coming to an end, I feel a sense of reluctance to part ways with this course. Nevertheless, I am determined to apply the knowledge and experiences gained from this class throughout my future teaching career.
"Teaching Mathematics in the Digital Age" has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. The collaborative group work, the exploration of various apps, and the engaging presentations have all contributed to my growth as an educator. I am excited to implement these newfound skills and approaches in my future teaching endeavors. Thank you, Dr. Ku, for delivering such a fantastic course and sharing your knowledge with us.
As graduation approaches, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes to Dr. Ku. May each day be filled with happiness, and may you continue to inspire and educate generations of exceptional individuals😘.