Cabri 3D

Cabri 3D is one of dynamic geometry software. This software helps students with the visualization of 3D figures their properties. The purpose of this software is to help students to better understand three-dimensional space, since three-dimensional space is difficult to visualize. Cabri 3D allows students and teachers to construct and manipulate solid geometry objects in three dimensions. It provides a tool for teachers and students to explore properties of 3D geometric constructions

Even though it is Cabri 3D, two dimensions objects can still be created. The software is suitable with many two dimensions concepts such as length, sectors of circles, lateral area, surface area. Cabri 3D will help students to learn analyzing characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop arguments of mathematics about geometrical relationships. Students also can learn to use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems

Cabri 3D is appropriate for secondary school students. Even though the software is not very user friendly, the students can be successful with the program if they learn through the manual. Teachers who want to use it in their classes have to be advanced in using it. Even though the software is not user friendly, it still offers a lot of great features that help student to get success in learning mathematics especially in geometry class.

Reference:
3D model. Retrieved from http://sylvester.math.nthu.edu.tw/d2/gc-05/models/index.3.jpg. April 01, 2010.

Assessing a Mathematics WebQuest

I reviewed a Mathematics WebQuest. Its title is Vector WebQuest. There are some weaknesses and strengths of this WebQuest. The weaknesses are it is not complex, does not have analytical question and does not has sufficient explanation on the process. On the other hand, the strengths of the WebQuest are an interested introduction and a range of web sites been accessed.

The most weakness of the WebQuest is it is not complex. It has only three parts. They are introduction, task and process. The WebQuest does not have evaluation, conclusion, and teacher page. Based on the criteria of a WebQuest, these elements are very important. Without Evaluation and conclusion, a WebQuest will be less useful. Another weakness is there is no any analytical question. Analytical questions are very important, since one of the purposes of a Webquest is to support learner thinking at the level of analysis. On this WebQuest, The level of questions is comprehension. Overall, the questions are not able to encourage students to think at high level thinking. The last weakness is it does not have sufficient explanation that is provided to students in order to accomplish the task. The WebQuest does not have full potential of web such as sound and video.

One of strength of the WebQuest is its introduction provides information that engages students to explore further. It is started with interesting issues. This issue will grab students’ attention. Another strength is its link to supported documents such as vector form. Moreover, it also provides various web sites such as .com, .edu and .gov. Some of the links take students directly to pages they need to go.

Even though the web quest has an interested introduction and various web sites been accessed, it is still inappropriate to be used by students because it does not fulfill the basic criteria of a WebQuest.

Getting Excited Learning Mathematics and Science through TinkerPlots

I am curious to learn and assess computer technology for learning mathematics and science. Even though there are many issues surround the using of computer technology in learning mathematics and science, computer technology offers new ways to learn. It helps students to learn based on problem solving. Another advantage is by using computer technology teachers can create inquiry-based mathematics and science classroom. Of course, besides those things, There are many other advantages of using computer technology in learning mathematics and science.

One of software that I am interested to learn is TinkerPlots. TinkerPlots is software for students in grades 4 through 8. The use of software is to build fluency with data representation and exploration. Animation, color, and dynamic manipulation support students in moving from simple representations to increasingly complex and analytic graphs. Another aim is to get students excited about what they can learn from data. TinkerPlots also helps teachers to create inquiry-based mathematics classrooms

TinkerPlots is friendly and intuitive interface that allows the user to play with the data plotted in an infinite variety of formats.

For more information about TinkerPlots, Please clik the following link.
TinkerPlots Software
Sample of students work
TinkerPlots Movie

Using Speech Recognition in Window 7

Speech Recognition.
Windows 7 has a feature that allows people to use their voice to operate a computer and compose text. It is Speech Recognition. We can find this feature on Ease of Access.
Before we get started using Speech Recognition, we will need to connect a microphone to our computer. There are some issues that we have to think about before using Speech Recognition:
(1) Speech Recognition needs a good microphone.
(2) Training the computer to identify the speaker sounds and pronunciation.
(3) Speak clearly and pronounce words carefully, not too fast and or too slow.
To open Speech Recognition:
(1)Start the Speech Recognition by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Windows Speech Recognitions.
(2)Click microphone button to start the listening mode

By using Speech Recognition we can do the following things:
(1) We can use our voice to control our computer.
(2) We can say commands that the computer will respond
(3) We can dictate text to the computer.

Speech Recognition makes a classroom or lesson more Universally Designed.
Speech recognition allows students to use their voice to operate a computer and compose text. This feature is useful to students with a wide range of disabilities including those with visual, mobility and language impairments. This feature will be very useful in a classroom which the numbers of students with disabilities integrated into it.
Today, nearly every class and schoolwork are related to computer. For example statistics class, students will analyze graphical displays of data, including dot plots, stem plots, and histograms, to identify and describe patterns and departures from patterns. In this class they will use computer to create graphical displays. By using Speech recognition and Microsoft excel, students with mobility impairment are still able to participate well in the class. They can input data and command to create a graphic.

Speech Recognition helps students with mobility and visual impairment.
Students with mobility impairments might be unable to use (or be without) arms or fingers to interact with their computers using a standard keyboard or mouse. Using their voice is a way to interact with their computer. By using speech recognition they can operate their computer and compose text.
Another is visual impairment, blindness, for example. Students who are blind interact with their computers through keyboards, Braille devices, and audio/voice rather than a traditional monitor and mouse. If they don’t have these special devices, they are still able to operate their computer by using Speech Recognition.

Conclusion
A more accessible technology is good for everyone, including students with disabilities and students without disability. All students benefit from technology in which it is easier to function. Providing accessible technology in the classroom to students with disabilities enables all students to have the same opportunities in education. Speech Recognition gives an easy way to interact with computer not only for students with a disability but also those without a disability. It also helps us to make an inclusive classroom with equal access for all students.

Teaching and Learning Mathematics through Mobile Learning.

Mathematics is my subject domain, during I taught mathematics I used some dynamic geometry software, such as Cabry, Geometer's Sketchpad, GeoGebra and Autograph. These are typically used in the classroom or the computer lab and they are very helpful in teaching the difficult concept.

It is little bit difficult to find an appropriate technology device in everyday life for teaching and learning the difficult concept of mathematics. Since mathematics concept is completely different from other concepts such as social science, English, etc.Based on my teaching experience in primary school, when I teach a difficult concept, I had to prove the concept and visualized it. these things can be done by using a software for teaching mathematics that requires a certain specification of a computer.

However, Nowadays, there is a technology in education known as mobile learning. Mobile Learning is a learning model adopted cellular technology development and mobile phones where this technology can be used as a learning medium. To use this technology, we can download the applications and install them on a mobile phone or use them online by using mobile phone.

Mobile learning technology can be used to teach mathematics. One of web sites that provides mobile learning applications for teaching and learning mathematics is www.math4mobile.com. So far, Mobile Learning is very helpful as a supplement material for teaching mathematics. It is easy for students to bring mobile phones wherever they go, this technology will help them to learn mathematics wherever and whenever.

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