This week in our mathematics class we continued our discussion on the complexity of understanding fractions from both an educator and student perspective. As an educator it is our responsibility to ensure students are confident and comfortable when learning new concepts. We must create an inclusive learning environment where students are welcomed to ask questions and challenge their skills. In this lesson we also focused on the concept of integers and how similar to fractions they present numbers in a new, unfamiliar way for many individuals. From my own personal experience as a student the most difficult component of learning integers had to be memorizing the different rules. When educators expect students to learn through memorization they are depriving them of their ability to expand their understanding. Students retain information in a multitude of ways therefore educators should not expect uniformity in comprehension as it decreases the opportunity for individual growth. Another integral component for student success is applying concepts to realistic, everyday situations. When a connection between academic knowledge and reality is established individuals are more likely to become familiar and comfortable with what they are learning. This idea proves relevance in mathematics, especially dealing with units in fractions and integers. The video “Math Interactive” (link below) provided by our professor supports this idea. This video introduces integers in an informative manner by demonstrating how they relate to the measuring of increasing and decreasing temperatures. For students I feel a video such as this one would be beneficial as it introduces integers in a “non-threatening” manner which is fundamental when developing a base understanding.
Through the years math continues to be given a negative connotation due to its complex nature. As a result educators must find a way to teach in both an informative and entertaining way. This can be done in a variety of ways, but for me the most influential technique to accomplish this is through games. The online game “Orbit Integers” (link below) provided by our professor is an interactive game where students go online to race against others by completing a variety of mathematical equations. This game requires fast thinking and a good understanding of adding together both positive and negative numbers. The game takes place in outer space where students take the form of a space ship. They are given a variety of equations and when they successfully complete a question they move forward towards the finish line. In the article Video Games in the Classroom Building Skills in Literacy and Numeracy (link provided below) the author prompts the idea of the incorporation of interactive video games and computer simulators in the contemporary classroom as studies have demonstrated that these outlets may be able to offer students interesting and informative context for learning. They hypothesize that the high tech graphics, sounds and motions allow participants to become active learners as they realize that their actions create a reaction allowing their level of interest to increase. The twenty first contemporary society has transformed into one dependent on technology thus educators must be willing to adapt these changes and introduce them into their classrooms to increase student success. When students feel as if they are being challenged their level of interest and motivation will likely increase therefore a game such as this one may aid in the development of individual growth and understanding of integer operations. The only negative element of the game is the nervousness which may be felt by a student when playing. It is a fast paced game which requires quick thinking and fine motor skills therefore if a student does not have a thorough understanding they may feel over whelmed. The game is fantastic as not only does it give users a challenge but it informs users of where they went wrong.
Screen shot of "Orbit Integers". Users are ranked based on the completion of the number of correct answers, as well their recorded time. As well users are shown the accuracy rate and if any questions where missed.
Link to “Math Interactive”
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html ID1=AB.MATH.JR.NUMB&ID2=AB.MATH.JR.NUMB.INTE&lesson=html/video_interactives/integers/integersSmall.html
Link to "Orbit Integers"
http://www.arcademics.com/games/orbit-integers/orbit-integers.html
Link to Video Games in the Classroom Building Skills in Literacy and Numeracy:
http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/literacy/resource_by_topic.html
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