Celeste Sisson's Portfolio Page
Project: Integrating Geometer's SketchPad into Mathematics Curriculum
Intent of Project
The intent of this course is to teach mathematics teachers effective ways to incorporate Geometer's Sketchpad into geometry lessons.
Topics that will be covered are:
1) What is Geometer's SketchPad?
2) How to incorporate Geometer's SketchPad into lessons?
3) Sample lessons that incorporate Geometer's SketchPad.
4) The benefits of using Geometer's SketchPad in the mathematics classroom.
Needs Assessment
Instructional Problem:
Geometer's SketchPad is an interactive geometry software program. In the 21st century it is important to incorporate technology that will enhance a students learning while visually stimulating the students in hands-on activities. Teachers do need a general introduction to the software and time to discover all the capabilities the software adds to instruction. Some teachers can be apprehensive about adding new techniques to their instruction if they have not been exposed to lessons involving it. This is a great time to incorporate new technology into lessons as the common core has been implemented which involves revamping of current curriculum to create a deeper understanding of content.
The Nature of What is to Learned:
Participants will learn about the software and effective ways to incorporate the software into mathematics instruction.
About the Learners:
Participants are secondary mathematics teachers with various teaching experiences, novice to veteran. Some participants might have been exposed to the software in the undergrad or graduate program while others have not heard of it.
Instructional Content:
This mini-course will give an overview of the benefits of the Geometer's SketchPad software. The mini-course will give sample lessons that incorporate the software while giving the participants tools to navigate and use the software through online modules. At the end, participants will be able to create their own lesson with Geometer's SketchPad.
Performance Objectives
1) Participants will be able to navigate Geometer's Sketchpad and identify the tools incorporated in the program.
2) Participants will be able to supplement/create current geometry lessons with Geometer's Sketchpad.
3) Participants will be able to identify the advantages of using Geometer's Sketchpad in their classroom.
Task Analysis
1) Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the benefits of using Geometer's SketchPad in mathematics instruction
- Navigate a lesson that uses Geometer's SketchPad
- Create a lesson using Geometer's SketchPad
- Assess the usefulness of using Geometer's SketchPad in their lesson
2)Prerequisite Skills
Essential Prerequisites:
- Minor knowledge of Geometer's SketchPad
- Knowledge of mathematics curriculum
- Experience designing lessons with a technology tool
Supportive Prerequisites:
- Familiarity using technology tools to enhance lessons and students understanding
- Be open to redesigning current lessons to include Geometer's SketchPad
Curriculum Map
