DESMOS GRAPHING Tool
PLN obtained from: TechEdvocate, Link: https://www.thetechedvocate.org/teaching-math-with-technology-8-virtual-resources/
Tech Chosen: Desmos - This is essentially a graphing tool online that has all the capabilities of graphing as a hundred dollar graphing calculator. It is very useful, especially for students that cannot afford graphing calculators.
How does the literature support this tech?
By itself the technology that desmos brings to the table could be considered strictly substitution as students are able to graph functions by hand on paper or by using their calculator. However, if this tool is used in a way that has students create their own scenarios and stories and then build the graphs using desmos then it could be getting into the higher tiers of technology integration within the classroom. The graphing tool also allows for students to have access to advanced graphing technologies that were previously restricted to students who were able to afford expensive graphing calculators. It also teaches students how to learn different syntax of programs. Programming is a very useful 21st century skill which requires an understanding of math. It also requires an understanding of the syntax. By introducing students to different mathematical software they are exposed to different syntaxes which they must learn in order to use the graphing software. For students that are going into the STEM field it is vital that they get used to understanding different programming languages quickly so that they may be successful, because every single STEM field requires the use of programming software so that scientists, engineers, and mathematicians can write their own algorithms to solve complex problems.
Evaluation of the Tool
I chose this tool because it is an invaluable resource for students that may not have access to an expensive calculator. It also makes the process of graphing functions take much less time when compared to making graphs by hand. It also introduces students to different mathematical syntaxes, so that they may get used to learning different programming languages.
I would recommend this tool in a mathematics class when teaching graphing concepts. By itself it is merely a tool but it can support various activities that math teachers can create for their students. Essentially it is only as useful as the teacher who is implementing it.
The only disadvantage to this program is that it requires learning a different syntax, but again I believe that is a strength of this program as it introduces students to learning different mathematical syntaxes.
I think it teaches 21st century skills because it teaches students how to use different graphing programs to create functions which is essential for later math classes. It also introduces students to different syntaxes which they will encounter when they will inevitably be introduced to programming software. By itself it does not promote collaboration, however, if a teacher designs a lesson where this technology is a tool to support the learning of a topic that involves collaboration, then it becomes a great support tool.
Again by itself it does not support the standards of ISTE, SAMR, etc. as it is essentially substitution. However, if students use this in conjunction with another technology such as google docs, slides, sheets. It can be a tool to be used to show mathematical relationships with the real world. Or to create visual representations of scientific relationships. Like I said the limitations of this tool at bound to the teacher who implements it.
Link: https://www.desmos.com/calculator
Tech Chosen: Desmos - This is essentially a graphing tool online that has all the capabilities of graphing as a hundred dollar graphing calculator. It is very useful, especially for students that cannot afford graphing calculators.
How does the literature support this tech?
By itself the technology that desmos brings to the table could be considered strictly substitution as students are able to graph functions by hand on paper or by using their calculator. However, if this tool is used in a way that has students create their own scenarios and stories and then build the graphs using desmos then it could be getting into the higher tiers of technology integration within the classroom. The graphing tool also allows for students to have access to advanced graphing technologies that were previously restricted to students who were able to afford expensive graphing calculators. It also teaches students how to learn different syntax of programs. Programming is a very useful 21st century skill which requires an understanding of math. It also requires an understanding of the syntax. By introducing students to different mathematical software they are exposed to different syntaxes which they must learn in order to use the graphing software. For students that are going into the STEM field it is vital that they get used to understanding different programming languages quickly so that they may be successful, because every single STEM field requires the use of programming software so that scientists, engineers, and mathematicians can write their own algorithms to solve complex problems.
Evaluation of the Tool
I chose this tool because it is an invaluable resource for students that may not have access to an expensive calculator. It also makes the process of graphing functions take much less time when compared to making graphs by hand. It also introduces students to different mathematical syntaxes, so that they may get used to learning different programming languages.
I would recommend this tool in a mathematics class when teaching graphing concepts. By itself it is merely a tool but it can support various activities that math teachers can create for their students. Essentially it is only as useful as the teacher who is implementing it.
The only disadvantage to this program is that it requires learning a different syntax, but again I believe that is a strength of this program as it introduces students to learning different mathematical syntaxes.
I think it teaches 21st century skills because it teaches students how to use different graphing programs to create functions which is essential for later math classes. It also introduces students to different syntaxes which they will encounter when they will inevitably be introduced to programming software. By itself it does not promote collaboration, however, if a teacher designs a lesson where this technology is a tool to support the learning of a topic that involves collaboration, then it becomes a great support tool.
Again by itself it does not support the standards of ISTE, SAMR, etc. as it is essentially substitution. However, if students use this in conjunction with another technology such as google docs, slides, sheets. It can be a tool to be used to show mathematical relationships with the real world. Or to create visual representations of scientific relationships. Like I said the limitations of this tool at bound to the teacher who implements it.
Link: https://www.desmos.com/calculator