The Challenges of Using Technology

One of my unspoken goals for this year has been to include more explorations in my Geometry classes – specifically Geogebra explorations. This has posed some challenges.

1. The iPad cart I have been checking out has 20 devices and I have had up to 30 students in my classes. Compensation: pair students up. It makes them work together, talk about what they are learning, and keeps them on task. Alternative – check out a different cart.
2. The iPad cart I have been checking out has older model iPads (long connectors – so not iPad Airs). This has posed some problems related to lag, updates, etc. See A Tale of 3 Classes. Again,  alternative – check out a different, newer cart and see if the lag issues continue. Better yet – check out a laptop cart. I have almost given up on using iPads with Geogebra.
3. Some students don’t like using the technology. I haven’t drilled down to the underlying issue here, but some just prefer pencil-paper.
4. Some students misbehave when technology is in their hands.
5. Some students are absent and need an alternate assignment should they not have access to technology at home.

Thus, I have resorted to creating two explorations – one using Geogebra, and another using paper and pencil. They teach roughly the same concepts, but go about it in different ways. I wish I had the time/energy to follow up and see if one exploration results in better understanding/learning than the other.

Equations of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Exploring Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Geogebra Activity will be used to learn how the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines are related.

Exploring Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Pencil Paper Activity will be used to learn how the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines are related for those who don’t want to use technology.