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Welcome to a Web Site designed for Math Teachers
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Computer Supported Collaborative Education in Math Education |
Computer Supported Collaborate Learning
Computer Supported Collaborate Learning (CSCL) in Math Education is a new field that seeks to get the active participation of students in the classroom environment.
If schools are connected on the internet, then schools will change (Soloway, 1995). This perspective views Computer Supported Collaboration tools as a lever for change, with the focus that the medium itself will describe the message, that computers are here to stay, and that pedagogical change will follow.
Computers, as used in the business community, provide the impetus for change in the schools. As Linda Roberts, Special Advisor on Educational Technology to the U.S. Department of Education, states: "We have to redefine ... what our classrooms are, how kids learn, what constitutes a learning community ... if we're going to even come close to reaching the potential of these tools we're going to have."
One advantage, often overlooked, is that computers provide a direct link for students to unique environments they haven't experienced before! Students are taken out of the classroom to other educational systems (in the world?), to the business community, and the scientific/research community; the experience itself has never been possible before!
Computers are going to be there: the question is, will we use them or not?
Some Cautions!
Studies have shown that TEACHERS, not software or hardware, have the strongest influence in the classroom over whether computer use in the classroom is effective or not. Plus, students will pick up more on the teachers' attitudes towards this technology, more than they will to the technology itself (at least as they're getting used to the technology). What this means, is that it is important that you get help from others (LISTED BELOW), who are there to help your endeavors, exploring how computers can be used in the classroom effectively.
Further, it is also found that if computer technology is to be effective, then the benefits that the user receives from the tool (grades assigned - accountability - very important), or the results themselves (sharing with others in a positive way), will have to outweigh the un-use of it. Good Luck!!!
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MUSEs are Multi-USEr text-based virtual realities accessible through the Internet. MUSEs support real-time interaction among many participants through collaboration. They can be used in Math Education by allowing different students to gather on-line and work on specific math problems collaboratively. Another way that MUSEs can be used in Math Ed is that some MUSEs have on-line experts that can guide the student.
MUDs refer to all text-based Multi-User Dimensions. They are similar to MUSEs and as such, they have specific instructions on how to navigate within the MUD that you can learn while you are in the MUD itself. These instructions generally are on how to communicate with other students, as well as objects in the different rooms that comprise the MUD. MOOs, on the other hand, stand for MUD Object Oriented and run basically the same way.
Don't be surprised if right away, your click-on takes you to a different kind of window. What you'll see is a text-based, interactive window which lets you communicate with others. Instructions will be provided for you, as well as instructions for how to navigate throughout the program. Enjoy it. As a help, the following commands may be useful:
Log in as: guest (in all of the sites listed below, typing in as guest will get you in the program, unless you eventually want to log in as a registered user (which all of your students will have to do once you set them up). If you contact the project coordinators (also done by getting "help"), they'll set up your whole class for adventuring!!!
For help on how to work in this environment, type: help
That's It!!! The rest is for you! Enjoy!
Examples of available MUDs, MOOs, & MUSEs for on-line interactivity:
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Motivational Problems Resource Sites
There are several sites that offer educators sample problems, to have students log in to these sites and get right to work. Samples include the following:
The Geometry Center is a mathematics Research and education center at the University of Minnesota. Many of the ideas developed in how math education can be integrated with the use of computers is related to educators from this site, focused towards the K-16 education. The site also offers tools that can be used on-line for different projects that can be used collaboratively. Visit the site at: Geometry Center
This location provides a center for math educators to gather together, and share ideas on using computers for collaborative learning. It is a project of the Computer Research and Applications Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory, designed to interest children's curiosity. Visit the site at: MEGA MATH
Math Magic is a K-12 project that provides strong motivation for students to use computer technology while increasing problem-solving strategies and communications skills. They post challenges in several categories, then triggers a separate team to work with them and discuss their solutions to problems! GREAT!!!
One source, that you will site at most Internet Sites, and a great, overall help for teachers is the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC). Besides curriculum materials, their purpose is to help develop computing technologies. Use their resources to help in any area: setting up math problems, curriculum project guides, or general technology information regarding Computer Use in the Classroom. Keep this site as a Bookmark!
Other Problem Resources Sites ---- Check Them Out!!!
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Internet Resources & Help Sites
There are several sources that you can reach, of people who can help you set up projects to begin utilizing Computers to help you experience Collaborative Education.
Major obstacles (ROADBLOCKS) for teachers is that sometimes they just don't know what, or if that's not a problem, they just don't know how! Especially when it comes to introducing kids to computers!!! Difficulties, as reported in past research studies, has been the "fuzziness" of a project or worthwhile venture to lead the students on. BUT, there is help!!!
For example, Judi Harris offers guidance, based on her experience (it's her job!), and direction to teachers, to help refine an idea that would be successful. Call her for several examples of how the computer has been in several classes already gone by. Her program is based on collaboration with SME's (Subject Matter Experts) via the Internet. Experts in her work include a REALLY VARIED group of Experts!!! Great for Motivation and Active Participation of students, too. Check out the Electronic Emissary!
Sample projects that Judi H. has conducted in the past include the following:
Ask an Expert. From this site, there are several links to scientists (geologists, astronomers, volcanologists, cardiologists, and more). Offered are several forums for asking questions of scientists. This site is also a spring board to several other sites from major corporations in the US. For example, contact women engineers at NASA's Ames Research Center. Their motto is TAP ( Tapping into Internet Resources). Visit this site at: Talk With Experts
If you want to focus on getting insights from professional engineers, then visit this site. They are wanting to help on problems in mathematics and science. Visit the Ask an Engineer Website.
If you want your class to correspond with other students in a classroom exchange program, then visit the following web-site. Email Classroom Exchange (ECE) helps classrooms to meet, correspond, and interact with other classrooms through the Internet. Users freely browse and contact classrooms listed in their database. Check out the classroom profiles, or submit your own.
The PBS MathLine will be able to help you with your work with the online community. Made up of a board of teachers, join discussions on issues and ideas developed in video lessons, other mathematical topics of common interest, and on educational issues related to teaching, learning, and assessment. Visit PBS MathLine
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Resource Site to Lessons & Internet Projects
(Already Prepared) for Collaborative use of your Computers!
Another possibility are two online classrooms in mathematics. Each of these sites offers a unique perspective on lessons from understanding and explaining reason and mathematics, in reason, skills, slopes, patterns, algebra, and more! Appetizers and Lessons for Mathematics and Reason If your concern is being able to access different experts in the field of mathematics, then this website will allow you to access the expertise of professionals in different levels. The list of professionals in this list includes experts in: Astronomy, geology, volcanology, cardiology, Dr. Math, and more.
Global SchoolNet Foundation has lots of useful projects, activities, ideas, and other resources available. If you're looking for high-quality, classroom-based collaborative learning projects on the Internet, and someone to help you create, moderate, organize, and plan the projects, then contact them at the Global School Network. What makes this site unique is that they also provide (FREE OF CHARGE)
If you like PBS, then you'll like their programming page offered via the Internet. In collaboration with the NCTM to create a telecommunications-based, teacher-professional development service designed to help meet the needs of teachers and schools. Take advantage of this year-long professional development program. MathLine
Other Sites that you may want to check out are:
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Computer & Technology Resource Site
There are sources on the Internet, of people who can also answer questions regarding how to put Technology in the Classroom!
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List-Servs are great resources to keep up with what other educators are doing in math education. Keep up with projects that are being developed by teachers across the world. Also, List-Servs offer a forum for discussing all kinds of issues in specific topics. Eventually, you'll be able to focus on one (or several) forums designed for your specific interests. They are truly a great resource!!! Eventually, you'll be receiving literally hundreds of messages in several fields, if you want. You'll then probably want to limit your incoming mail.
Don't worry about the commands once you're in a list-serv. They'll contact you and let you know how to navigate their resource!
The only source that you need to explore this benefit is the following. It'll connect you to literally hundreds of List-Servers in specialized fields in education: List-Server Resources for Educators Keep it as a bookmark for future references.
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The web-page was written and designed by Humberto Laurel. Currently, I am half-way??? through finishing a doctorate's in education at the University of Texas at Austin. Being motivated by an incredible wife, and really beautiful kids (NOT!) and a baby just born ... I just can't stop from wanting to make this good for you! If you can think of any comments that would help, or any new sites in the above area, please drop me a note. Thanks!
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