MATHS 330: Technology in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics (3)

Syllabus

1.  Prerequisites: MATHS 202 with a C- or better grade.

2.  Course Description: The use of technology in elementary and middle school mathematics, such as spreadsheets, calculators, algebraic or geometric modeling tools, educational software and World Wide Web applications.

3.  Course Objectives: To prepare pre-service teachers to:

1. Identify the benefits of technology to maximize student learning and facilitate higher order thinking skills.

2. Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology for teaching and learning while using electronic resources to design and implement learning activities.

3. Identify, select and use hardware and software technology resources specially designed for use by elementary and middle school students to meet specific teaching and learning objectives.

4. Design and peer teach a lesson that meets content area standards and reflects the current best practices in teaching and learning with technology.

5. Identify technology-related legal and ethical issues including copyright, privacy, and security of technology systems, data and information.

6. Identify and use assistive technologies to meet the special physical needs of students.

4.  Course Rationale:

This course is designed to help pre-service teachers meet standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB). The Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, released April 2000 by the NCTM includes the Technology Principle: “Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.” The course objectives stated above are taken from the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and are expected to be met by pre-service teachers prior to student teaching or internship experiences. The IPSB includes as part of Standard #1 for Teachers of Mathematics that “Teachers of mathematics understand the appropriate structures within the discipline and its interaction with technology.”

5.  Course Content:

Using technological tools including spreadsheets, calculators, algebraic or geometric modeling tools, educational software and World Wide Web applications, students will investigate mathematical concepts in number and operation, algebra, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability. They will determine how technology may be used to teach related concepts in the elementary and middle school classroom. Students will identify worthwhile mathematical tasks well suited for technological exploration.

6.  Course Format:

Lecture, individual and group computer and calculator laboratory explorations, student presentation.

7.  Methods of Evaluating Student Performance:

Exams, individual and group projects, student presentations.

8.  Evaluation of the Course:

The instruction of the course is evaluated by departmental student evaluations and peer evaluation. The course is reviewed and revised periodically by the Departmental Teacher Education Advisory Committee and the Departmental Undergraduate Programs Committee.

[Hartter, 10/2005]