It's A New Day Math

  Constructionist Learning Theory in the Classroom      According to Dr. Michael Orey (Walden University, 2015), constructionist learning theory is based on the belief that students learn best when they create an artifact or something that they can share with others.  In this theory, students are engaged in the learning process and are learning by doing.  Constructionism is an active learning theory that is student-based.   According to Pitler et al. (2012), generating and testing hypotheses are instructional strategies that allow students to engage in complex mental processes, apply content knowledge, and enhance their overall understanding of the concept.  Generating and testing hypotheses are constructionist instructional strategies because they allow students to use higher-order thinking skills to create an artifact that can be shared with others.  There are many technology tools that students can utilize to accomplish this.  ...

  We created this concept map as a class in order to prepare for our virtual field trip.  The class had just been briefly introduced to the concept of parent functions.  Our virtual field trip involved finding the height of a roller coaster, so it was important to discuss all of the parent functions prior so that the students could determine which parent function they would be working with during the field trip.  This instructional tool allowed the students to have a quick visual reference to the six main parent functions that we will be dealing with through the next two sections of our textbook.   URL to access the completed concept map :  https://lucid.app/publicSegments/view/878c078b-7a15-439d-8be6-523ce52cf279

  Behaviorist Learning Theory in the Classroom Melissa Standridge (2010) defines behaviorism as observable and measurable aspects of human behavior that result from stimulus-response associations made by the learner.   There is a myriad of instructional strategies that can be used to enhance behaviorism in the classroom, especially with the utilization of technology.   Two behaviorist-based instructional strategies that can be used in the classroom are reinforcing effort and providing recognition and assigning homework and providing practice.   Pitler et al. (2012) state, “Technology can transform the environment and procedures for communication, teaching, and learning” (p. 11).   Using technology tools to incorporate these instructional strategies will provide a solid basis for implementing behaviorist learning theory in the classroom.   The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort becomes a different ballgame when technology is incorporated. ...

  A Reflective Look at Integrating Technology in the Classroom             Richardson (2010) spoke of the fact that we, as educators, needed to be selfish about trying out new technologies and first try them in our learning practices.   This is exactly what I believe this course has allowed me to do.   For the past eight weeks, I have learned how to create my own blog, Twitter handle, RSS feed, social bookmarking group, and wiki.   When I began this course, I felt like I was not a technology expert, but I did not consider myself a novice.   I quickly realized that there was a lot more to the thriving world of technology than the Google Suite platform.   This course introduced me to a myriad of Web 2.0 tools that I would have never explored.   Through my wiki lesson on solving equations with variables on both sides, I was able to engage all students in exploring real-world issues and solving authe...

           The whole idea of blogging is completely new to me, so I believe that I would start on a small scale when implementing the blog into my mathematics classrooms.   Richardson (2010) suggests beginning simply by posting homework assignments and relevant class links.   I believe that this would be a good place to begin, especially since I know that my students are not familiar with blogging either.   As my students become more familiar with the blogging process, I would like to see them begin to interact with my blog by responding to my posts.   One of my professional goals is to increase my use of digital media tools in communicating and working collaboratively with my students and their families (Laureate Education, Inc., 2015).   I would like my blog to be not just a tool I use in my classroom, but a method of communication between myself and my students and their families.          ...