Week 2 Reflections

After week 2, I am really feeling comfortable with using TinkerPlots and how to create activities using the program. By sitting in on Professor Roebuck's class, I feel like I have figured out a few of the minor details that I was having with TinkerPlots. One was figuring out how to change the values of the x and y axes and the bin numbers on those axes. I also learned about how I can use the count button along with learning how I can use the Label Key, and also learning how to move and adjust that key on the graph. I also benefited from learning about the differences between categorical and numerical data, and how that affects the color in the data key.
I really feel like observing Professor Roebuck was beneficial to deepening my understanding of how to use TinkerPlots. Completing activities and watching tutorials are very helpful, but seeing things in person and getting in depth explanations of how to do things. This is how I benefited in Professor Roebuck's class because he took his time explaining things, and since it was being taught to students in MATHS 202, it was slow paced enough for me to pick up on things that I may not have otherwise. One thing that I hope that I can communicate to my future students if I do use a program like TinkerPlots is how the program can be applied in a classroom in a more useful way. I did notice that the class was pessimistic when using the program because they did not see the point in why they should use the technology in the classroom. I think this is due to many elementary education majors having a negative view of mathematics, and it is one of their least favorite things to teach in many cases. One thing that is really important for not only elementary education majors, but secondary majors, is the importance of technology in the classroom when using mathematics. Many students struggle with mathematics (including many non-math education majors), and using technology when using mathematics can be a break through for some students who struggle or do not relate to how mathematics is used. Many students benefit so much from calculators and mathematics computer programs, and I think the more educators understand the importance of technology in the classroom, the better things will be.
I also really enjoyed the reading for the week because it showed me examples of how to use Sketchpad in my future classroom. I never thought too much about displaying proofs on mathematical computer programs, and so seeing specific examples of how to do these proofs is very beneficial to myself. I also really liked how it was almost completely student lead because it allows students to learn and benefit from the good and bad things that they do in their specific proofs. So overall I really enjoyed what I learned about this week, and I just hope that I can continue to learn more and more as the weeks go on!