Re: [seul-edu] Math teachers...

[lp <prevettl@cochise.cc.az.us>]

... continuation of last message


Use computers to introduce advanced applications in simple but
non-trivial
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ways.
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7. Advanced applications are another reason why so many universities are
using Unix/Linux.

Introducing advanced applications to students stimulates their interest 
and helps them make more informed decisions about what their academic
and
career interests might be. It also allows students to begin an internal
dialogue about advanced topics before actually taking an advanced class.

This includes real-world applications. Here, Linux is very useful when
you have to deal with large data files. You can plot and analyze
weather  
data, do molecular modeling, physics problems (falling bodies, spring  
motions, planetary motions), etc. There are so many things to choose
from. You just have to find something you are interested in and research
it yourself, make some lesson plans, and convey your enthusiasm to the
the students.


Other Issues
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8. Use 'simulations', 'games', and 'drills' to break the monotony
and get away from lecturing about math. But in my opinion, this  
kind of software is not a top priority. Nor, as others have mentioned,
is it one of the strong points (yet) of Linux.

Unix has been around a long time. The internet and intranet
applications are very robust, mature, and stable. Desktops
and flashy standalone applications for Linux are still evolving.

9. Use the computer as a way to invite human interaction - don't
just isolate a student at a computer and expect miracles to happen.

10. Be aware of the fact that there is a lot of work involved.

The hard fact for math teachers is this: there is no silver bullet for
using technology in the classroom. If you want to use technology in the
classroom, and be succesful at it, you are going to have to work hard at
it. You are going to have to wade through tons of software until you
find
something that you like. Then you are going to have to learn how to use
it - and use it well. Then you are going to have to design highly
structured activities for the students. You will need to create very
detailed instructions for students telling them what you want them to 
learn and how to use the software. Then you have to come up with
questions
to make them think for themselves. In short, you have to get personally
involved and invest in your own creativity.

The links that have been posted on lesson plans are a big resource.   

11. Put money in the budget for training and books (lots of books).

Chris, you are not only going to have to convince the math teachers
that Linux is useful, you will have to do some training. Is there
still any way to budget some of the money for the teachers?
Teachers need release time for curriculum development, grant
writing, attending workshops, training and a host of other things
that will empower them to do their job well. You might be
able to negotiate something with them if they really understand how
important Linux is and know that there is money available to support
their training. It's just a thought.



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