Integrated Learning: Math Post Week 5

©Counton. 2016. 

During class in week 5 we explored online mathematical resources and blended learning. Blended learning is where students learn from in person instruction and digital and online media. We started class by playing an online game called Count On. This game allows students to pick a level of difficulty and attempt to solve math problems using the numbers provided. Playing this game gave me time to explore working with numbers and allowed me to make as many mistakes as I needed to figure out the correct answer. In previous weeks we have talked about allowing students a platform to make mistakes and develop their brains. Online games are an excellent resource where students can actively participate, feel no pressure or embarrassment for their results and try different pathways to an answer.

A really useful teacher resource we learned about was the SAMR Model. SAMR stands for substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition. This model breaks down the different ways we can integrate technology into our classrooms. Substitution is the idea that technology performs the same task or activity you would do in your classroom without it. This would be like printing a worksheet out and completing it. In this case there is no change in the way the students would learn and the way in which they would display their abilities. Augmentation is described as technology that performs common tasks such as completing a google form instead of a hardcopy quiz. The function of learning and assessment in the same but technology serves a minimal purpose such as saving paper. Modification is where technology is going beyond everyday tasks and actually changes the learning. An example of this would be allowing the students multiple ways to display their learning such as an audio recording or a piece of music. Technology assists the learning and changes the way it can be assessed. Redefinition is when technology allows for tasks that were previously inconceivable such as creating a documentary on a specific topic and Skyping with resources around the world. Without technology something like this would be impossible and we would be confined to resources that we have in our classroom.

©SAMR Model. Edudemic. 2013.

This above wheel is an excellent resource that we were introduced to in class. This is a SAMR wheel which shows which type of technology can be used for the different options. This wheel is a great teacher resource because it provides technology options and how those options fit into the classroom. It’s important that as educators we integrate the right technology for the right reasons. We want to make sure technology is effective and forwarding the learning in the class. It must serve a purpose. This wheel helps teacher establish what technology will be useful for different situations. This week showed me that there are many ways we can integrate technology into math. I would not have previous thought technology served a huge purpose in math class but after experiencing it I can see that it could forward the learning and expand possibilities.