I have to admit that initially, I was a skeptic of technology implementation into the classroom. I had never seen my teachers use technology to convey mathematical concepts except in probability, statistics, and math modeling. Even then, these courses only utilized Excel and Minitab, and I only saw Excel used to any real effect.
In MATHS 331, I was initially frustrated to have to learn so many types of software. It seemed like a waste of my time because I didn't realize my ability to adapt to them or their ability to convey mathematics. At the end of the second week, I became more accepting of the software. I saw how quickly it allowed me to process information and I knew that the experiences could only help when trying to learn new software. Just two weeks ago, I began to feel more intrigued by the potential of the software. I am amazed at the adaptability of new software and I am beginning to enjoy considering how I might implement it into the classroom.
Even in listening to current teachers online, I have begun to learn how to judge the quality of software. Also, I found out that the TI-Nspire is not used for standardized testing because the complex operations it can perform limit the ability to which we, as educators, can judge the capabilities of our students. I was initially frustrated to hear that the Nspire, my chosen software, isn't widely used by students. I then further considered it's potential in the classroom and found another use for it: the Nspire software can still accurately portray concepts using a projector, despite the fact that the students likely won't become familiar with the software itself. The ability to project from this software allows for students to learn from various representations and see the potential of new software.
As I have continued to learn new software, there is one invaluable skill I am gaining: the ability to accurately judge the value potential of new software. This is likely the most important skill I will gain in this class, given the steady production of newer, better software.
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Bingo! You have commented on the most important thing here - knowing how to judge the potential of the software, because it will ALWAYS change. You have also noted that while your students might not use the nspire on an exam, they can learn from it. Fathom is not allowed on the AP stats exam, but that does not keep AP stats teachers from using it to teach stats. And who is to say that the exam won't be different in ten years? We could wager on this one...
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