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 ICT and Secondary Maths - Presenting a lesson using ICT

Module 6 Contents
  1. Presenting a Mathematics lesson using ICT
  2. Task 6
  3. Ideas for Using ICT in Maths Lessons
  4. Data Handling
  5. Task 7
 
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Presenting a Mathematics lesson using ICT
Most teachers have used the overhead projector to present their lessons at some point, and in many classrooms OHPs have replaced the chalkboard as a method of relating visual information to the pupils. Currently, one of the fastest growing areas of ICT is presentation technology and in a short space of time many more classrooms will have interactive whiteboards. These can be a valuable teaching aid for curriculum delivery, and once they are in widespread use, even more subject specific software and materials will be developed to add to their existing potential.
A white board plugs into a computer and everything displayed on the computer is projected onto the special whiteboard, so there is no more crowding around the computer or the need for individual teacher explanations. The software and hardware allow the computer to be controlled from the whiteboard using either a special pen or, with some boards, the finger, as a mouse. Details under discussion can be highlighted and the board can be annotated with 'electronic' board markers, allowing important points to be highlighted and discussed. Ideas can be tried out interactively with quick results and feedback for the whole class.
Some schools already have access to this new technology, while others are using a halfway stage of using a projector or large-sized monitor for whole-class discussion. Part of your training day will be a demonstration of how interactive boards could be used in a mathematics classroom. During the year we would hope to exchange ideas and develop a set of materials to use with this latest technology. Here are a few ideas:
  • Interactive-graphing demonstrations, with teacher-led discussion
  • Demonstrating the use of on-line Internet software
  • Pre-ICT tutorial of how to use specific packages
  • Interactive geometry demonstrations, with teacher-led discussions
  • Displaying pupils' work for discussion e.g. exemplar coursework from previous years
  • Video-conferencing with a local university or college

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Activity

 

Task 6

  1. When you come to the training day, bring an idea for using the whiteboard. After the training day, every teacher should have one activity for use with this new technology and this should be written up and published on the website by your tutor.
  2. If you have not already done so, fill in these will be forms and send to your tutor:

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Ideas for Using ICT in Maths lessons
Here are some ideas for using ICT in your lessons. You will find further ideas on the Maths Curriculum Support pages on the VTC, which will link you through to still more ideas. Start exploring the Internet for further sources, such as CD-ROM Reviews, the BBC list of web sites (you'll find another link to this on the Advice for Schools Using Internet & e-mail in School section of the Lewisham ICT Advice site, along with many other useful links), and the ICTeachers Teachers pages and Resources Vault.
 

Arithmetic
  • Generating multiples
  • Finding primes
  • Finding square root of 12 etc.
  • Number squares for use in investigations
  • Generating primes

Mappings and graphs

  • Generating a mapping diagram
  • Graphing a mapping

Motion geometry

  • Cabri projects for rotation and reflection
  • Pentominoes investigation

Data handling

  • Using a spreadsheet for calculations
  • Making chats to display data

Angles and Logo

  • Stick stars
  • Polygons
Solving equations
  • Spreadsheet work

Maximum area

  • Spreadsheet problem in stages

Fractions decimals and percentages

  • Fraction bounce problem
  • Writing a program to convert fractions to decimals to percentages

Probability

  • Game

Geometry with Cabri

  • Projects with angle rules
  • Projects for reflection and rotation

Modelling

KS3 SATs practice

Internet revision sites

Mentoring project

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Data Handling
Comparison of data
  • Pupils are often good at using an algorithm to calculate measures of average and spread and can use a calculator to work these out. It is often in the application and interpretation that problems arise. Pupils often concentrate more on the numerical calculations, which can be very time-consuming, than on the actual meaning of their results. At both KS3 and KS4, pupils are required to interpret statistical measures, even more so with the new draft curriculum for Mathematics.
  • Using a spreadsheet gives pupils a way of calculating relevant statistical methods quickly and efficiently. They need to be familiar enough with the required algorithm to construct formulae for the spreadsheet initially, and they need to have a basic understanding of how a spreadsheet can be used to for simple calculations.

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KS3 Activity for pupils: Pocket money survey
Aim: For pupils to use measures of Mean and Range to inform decision-making
Resources:
  • Access to spreadsheet
  • Data for pupils to analyse
  • Crib sheet for spreadsheet calculations (see attached)

Pupils need to have met the idea of mean and range, they need to be able to calculate these statistics and unless taught recently a review of these would be sensible, before even going to the computers.

  • Table etc.
  • Bullet points
  • Suggested questions to ask
  • Extensions

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KS4 Activity for pupils: Frequency tables

Correlation

Pupils will need to be able to plot a scattergram for themselves and construct a line of best fit by eye. As with the comparison of data, pupils are rarely unable to plot the points but again often have difficulty in the interpretation of their graphs. Spreadsheets can be used in conjunction with the chart function to take the emphasis away from "plotting" and encourage pupils to interpret. It is a good idea to use sets of data that throw up discussion points that allow pupils to engage with realistic contexts, particularly at KS4. The sets of data below can be used at either Key Stage, but it is important, as always that the teacher has tried them before the lesson.

  • 10 sets of data that work with topic and can be discussed critically
  • 10 sets of notes on each
 

Probability

Once pupils are familiar with experimental and theoretical probability, it may be useful to allow them some time to consolidate in a particular context what they have learnt. The following activity allows pupils to use a spreadsheet to model a game using probability.

Probability modelling problem adapted from booklet (to be developed)

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Activity

 
 

Task 7

To complete your NOF Training you will finally need to submit an Action Plan and your Portfolio in order to receive your ICT Competency Certificate.

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