Teaching Kids Real Math With Computers
- Do the points Wolfram makes relate to just math, or does the message of his talk apply across subjects?
I feel that this is a concept that applies to all subjects. For to long we focused on names and dates in social studies while the bigger concepts were treated like fillers to the lesson instead of being the lessons. Wolfram points out that when we stop focusing on the calculations, "then we can ask questions, real questions,..." (Wolfram, 2010) Some of the greatest thinkers and inventors of all times where great because they asked the questions. In some cases they were not even able to answer the questions they posed because they lack the technology too. We need to make learning meaningful and not a chore. I believe that was the point Wolfram was trying to make and that can be applied to every subject.
Here's another video I found that helps with my point.
- How could you use Wolfram’s talk when working with teachers?
I actually forwarded it to a high school math teacher that said he did not see the point of teaching algebra to high school students because their was no application for it in the real world. I think when dealing with teachers viewing the talk would be the first thing, then I would ask them what they think of the concept of using computers to teach math. I feel it is important to make sure that the teacher does not feel like they are being attacked or undermined. Some may feel like they are being asked to change because they are doing it wrong and that is not a comfortable feeling for someone who has do something the same way their whole life.
- What points would you make to teachers when you begin working with them to lay the foundation for collaboration?
I think the biggest point to make is that learning starts with inquiry not memorization or computation. That real world inquiry leads to real world solutions and we have technology to enhance our lives so lets use it.
Wolfram, C. (n.d.). Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers. TED: Ideas worth Spreading. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/conrad_wolfram_teaching_kids_real_math_with_computers.html
A Vision of K-12 Students Today. (2007, November 28). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8
I definitely agree that teaching our students how to think is extremely important. If they are unable to solve problems, what kind of innovations will their generation bring? They are the children of technology, and they should learn how to use technology for more than gaming. They should be able to use technology in a more critical way. They should be able to help themselves learn how to do something new or figure out ways to help others understand something better. It all starts with the teachers modeling for the students and showing them what is beyond Facebook and games.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you sent over the video to a friend of yours who teaches high school math. That is the true power of collaboration! You may want to send him over this great video too! Dan Meyer is another one who really tries to change our ways of thinking! Dan Meyer - Math Class Needs a Makeover
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that learning is meaningful, such as you say in your post. Kids are constantly surrounded by technology. If they want to know something, they just google it. They are curious. They are interested. Now remove the technology and they become bored. It is not that learning needs to be boring. You do not even need the technology to make it interesting, but some shift needs to happen to merge the two worlds together to teach practically.