Teachers will also become familiar with operating hardware and equipment resources such as Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers, as well as display devices such as LCDs and video monitors. Mathematical Learning - The use of various technologies offers opportunites for teachers to explore topics in more depth. For example, middle school teachers can review and strengthen their understanding of algebra by learning using the Green Globs program. Though their students may only use it to investigate linear relationships, the teachers can learn about and offer more complex functions as a challenge to the students because the technology makes these ideas more comprehensible for students. Creating Learning Environments - While learning about software and other technologies, teachers will need to think ahead to adapt their classroom environment to accommodate these new resources and facilitate their experimentation in the classroom.
Students work in a computer lab-at least one computer per two students.
One computer for each student is advantageous for learning computer skills, but two students to a computer is optimal for solving mathematics problems. Four to five computers are available in a classroom. An effective strategy for working in this classroom lab environment is to have groups of students work on problems where the computer is just one of the tools that students can access. Developing Teaching Strategies - Using computers and calculators challenges teachers to reflect on how they should teach in these new environments in order to encourage active learning. Here teachers add new roles to their repertoire.