Resources

=Resources= What resources are available to complement the Math SL program and what is the best way to share these resources with colleagues?

With the proliferation of the Internet and a variety of Web 2.0 tools, there are certainly no lack of resources available to support any program. The key is to find ones that work for you and your students. List a few of your favourites below:

Classroom Tools

 * [[image:geogebra-logo.png width="45" height="45" align="left" link="@http://www.geogebra.org/cms/"]] || A dynamic tool that can be used to teach concepts in algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus. Ideal for one - to - one programs whereby students have the opportunity to investigate mathematical processes leading to important generalizations of results. I use Geogebra daily particularly in the functions, trigonometry and calculus units. Great tool for inquiry based learning. ||
 * [[image:skype.jpg width="54" height="54" link="@http://education.skype.com/"]] || Teachers can now connect to other teachers and classroom through the Skype application for education. Collaborate on projects, connect with like minded teachers or share resources. ||
 * [[image:mathtype.png width="36" height="36" link="@http://www.dessci.com/en/"]] || The latest version for both Mac and Windows is compatible with over 500 different websites including Google Docs which interests me the most. Works now in Office or iWork. Will even work with wikispaces! ||
 * [[image:Key_GSP5_logo.png width="107" height="36" link="@http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/"]] || Dynamic geometry software that is easy to use but rather costly. I primarily use Geogebra now as it is free and intuitive for students. Love the "Dynagraphs" for working with function concepts such as definitions, domain, range, composite and inverse functions. ||
 * [[image:AG-Logo-sm.jpg width="44" height="44" link="@http://www.google.co.id/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=autograph%20math&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autograph-math.com%2F&ei=6nEdT4a6LJDOrQeju8DZDQ&usg=AFQjCNHjuWA3GiTDshsRlhHkRYypi4xcsA&sig2=8Z8pdCHdfzWK5d0BkaKQfg"]] || Dynamic algebra, geometry and statistical software. Very useful for 3-D vectors and volumes of revolution. Also does a great job with cumulative frequency plots, correlation and lines of best fit. I like to use Autograph to introduce the concept of the derivative from first principles. ||
 * [[image:logo_twitter_withbird_1000_allblue.png width="160" height="27"]] || An amazing tool for developing your own personal learning network ||
 * [[image:mathslworkshopwikisss/YouTube Teachers logo.jpg width="70" height="70" link="@http://www.youtube.com/teachers"]] || Thinking of flipping the classroom? YouTube Edu is an incredible resource that allows you to make playlists of videos for students. ||
 * [[image:Screen shot 2012-09-16 at 1.13.17 PM.png width="176" height="33" link="@http://www.geogebratube.org/"]] || Geogebra Tube is a great resource for finding teaching and learning materials that have already been developed and shared by other teachers. ||

Exploring relevant Web 2.0 tools to support the learning of the Math SL program
Having trouble jumping into Web 2.0? Watch these slides for a little inspiration! media type="custom" key="10353382" I find that for Mathematics, any tools that allow students to focus on communicating and reflecting are perhaps the most valuable. The one tool that encompasses all aspects of these skills is a blog. On a blog, students can record their learning, teachers can post prompts for students to respond to and students can use their blog as a showcase of their best pieces of work. Here are some examples of student blogs:


 * 1) Mr. Bethune
 * 2) SWA Math Department
 * 3) Nahyeon
 * 4) Yohan

Other tools are probably best categorized by what the goals of the lesson are or by how you intend to assess. Here is a very good wiki that can help you decide which tools to use.

The other important aspect of learning for me is allowing students the opportunity to share their learning with each other through collaboration and presentation. So any tools which promote these skills are very important in my classroom. Not only is collaboration important for students but can also be valuable for teachers when planning units or lessons. The best tool for collaboration that I have found thus far is Google Docs. Even better if your school is a Google campus and subscribes to Google Apps. This whole collaborative process becomes much simpler.

Developing and maintaining a Personal Learning Network or PLN
I find the most efficient way to find resources for teaching and learning is to find ways to have them delivered directly to your inbox. Here are a few suggestions:


 * 1) Twitter - probably the single most powerful tool for teaching and learning. Your followers and the people you follow do all the work! Participate in weekly chats on topics of interest in education, general interest or anything really. Use Twitter in the classroom to enhance learning.
 * 2) Read blogs. Learn how to set up and RSS feed or a Google Reader and subscribe to blogs that interest you. Some that I read frequently include:
 * dy/dan - using real life situations to provoke interesting and challenging mathematical questions from students. Follow #anyqs on twitter or search his blog for WCYDWT (what can you do with this)
 * Free technology for teachers - a daily summary of applications that are useful in education.
 * Casting out Nines -- a mathematics and technology blog, the flipped classroom
 * Kate Nowak
 * Math Four
 * EdTech
 * Matheminutes
 * 1) Google Plus - a new social network that could also have important applications for the classroom in support of learning.

Key Websites for Teaching and Learning of Mathematics


 * 1) The Story of Mathematics - provides a detailed history of mathematics and its practitioners through the ages.
 * 2) Khan Academy
 * 3) PurpleMath
 * 4) nRich mathematics
 * 5) [|ThinkThankThunk] - an innovative calculus resource