9th Grade Algebra I

October 2015 Edition

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM:

Mr. Hawley Mathematics Teacher

Xaverian Brothers High School
800 Clapboardtree St, Westwood, MA
Email: hawleyc@bc.edu
Phone: 781-801-2632

In the last few weeks, we have incorporated

technology more in the classroom and will
continue to do so. In this issue, Ill explain our
purpose for using it and why it is so valuable.
WHAT IS THE GEOMETERS SKETCHPAD?
The Geometers Sketchpad is a mathematical software
program that can represent many topics in geometry
and algebra as well as advanced subjects such as
calculus. The layout of the program is extremely similar
to Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint in its setup
and is very student-friendly in its presentation. For
example, there are clearly labelled options on the leftside vertical tool bar that allow students to complete a
variety of tasks immediately such as make a shape,
draw a line, or create a text-box to explain their work.
On the horizontal toolbar at the top of the screen,
students can create coordinate planes, graph lines, and
plot points among other features.

WHY THE GEOMETERS SKETCHPAD?

This is an example of what students can create in The
Geometers Sketchpad. They can graph different types of
equations using points and see where the graphs intersect.

Using Technology In the Classroom

Technology is revolutionizing the learning environment
especially in Mathematics. Representations such as
graphs, shapes, and angles are made much clearer to
students on different computer programs and can assist
them in visualizing certain aspects of the material. As a
school, we want to cater to our students needs and this
means accommodating for different learning styles. These
programs allow students to be actively engaged in their
learning and offer them the ability to discover new material.
Although one must be careful not to rely on computer
programs too much, websites and software like Khan
Academy and The Geometers Sketchpad are specifically
designed for student use and will be appropriately
employed in the classroom, so that your child can gain a
deeper and more refined understanding of the material. In
a young high school mathematics class, we do not want
the students to rely on technology to a great extent since it
can sometimes mislead their understanding or offer
unwanted shortcuts. However, it is also important for them
to remain interested and engaged in the subject matter.

As we move between many parts of Algebra that will

include topics such as functions, inequalities, and
quadratic equations, The Geometers Sketchpad will
allow us the flexibility to build on the material and
seamlessly transition between units. It will keep
students engaged and help facilitate their
understanding of the material by providing hands-on
examples and visuals related to the subject matter. I
encourage you to experiment with the software or ask
me any questions about its use. As a class, I feel that
this software helps students construct their own
knowledge of the content and allows me to assess their
strengths and weaknesses properly. For example,
rather than simply lecturing on placing points on a set of
coordinate axes, I can assign the students leading
questions and use the software to assist them in
working through their comprehension of the material.

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED:

As is important at the beginning of any school
year, we have reviewed material from the previous
year in order to reinforce concepts. The topics
below are crucial in the beginning stages of
Algebra specifically in isolating variables and
solving for the unknown. Here are some topics we
have gone over:
Evaluating equations using the order of
operations (PEMDAS)
Converting verbal problems and
expressions into written ones
Understanding the Commutative and
Distributive Properties
Plotting points on coordinate axes using
The Geometers Sketchpad

The Road Ahead in Algebra 1:

In the coming weeks, we will dive into the surface
of Algebra exploring topics such as solving for a
variable via addition and subtraction, graphing
equations with two variables, and constructing
step-by-step problem solving methods for word
problems. These topics can present major
conceptual challenges for students so it is vital to
repetitively go over them and offer multiple ways
to learn these concepts. We will be using Khan
Academy a great deal as a tool for homework and
in-class review sessions.

WHAT IS KHAN ACADEMY?

Khan Academy is a globally renowned website for
free personalized instruction on a variety of
subjects ranging from arithmetic to financial
markets. Its impressive setup and effective
teaching strategies have been featured on 60
Minutes, USA Today, and New York Times
among other news outlets and it has been
endorsed by many as a helpful guide in learning.
Students can watch videos on topics that we are
covering in class and do sample problems that
have fully explained solutions. Unlike watching.
You Tube tutorials or looking for solutions to
problems online, Khan Academy is a wellrespected website led by educational experts,
website designers, and content specialists.

With respect to algebra, Khan Academy has video lessons

and sample problems for 181 identified algebraic skills.
Last week, students used the site for the first time in writing
expressions from words. The video lasted less than two
minutes and the students had the opportunity to practice the
concept with problems on the computer and move on to the
next lesson if they succeeded in mastering the current one.
Here are some cool aspects of Khan Academy that have me
excited for the new school year and should be very
beneficial to students.

1. Khan Academy adeptly recognizes students who

are excelling with the material and those at a lower
lever by offering them different types of questions
and ensuring that all are challenged accordingly.
When I assign them homework problems, I will also
be giving the students a corresponding link to a
Khan Academy video and sample problems to
assist them and guide them through more
problems.
2. Every problem provides students with a
scratchpad that allows them to use shapes and
think their way through the problem. Problems also
have hints and guiding questions that develop
student thinking rather than simply giving away a
solution or answer.
3. I can monitor everybodys progress in the class
and know that all students have a valuable
resource away from the classroom to help in
guiding them. I intend to send you all progress
updates for your child from week-to-week,
especially during units where we rely heavily on
Khan Academy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I

am available every day after school for an hour or I can
make an appointment with you outside of that time.