Why++incorporate+Web+2.0+tools+in+a+Geometry+class?

//Increase mathematical rigor and relevance with Web 2.0 tools // The use in technology is changing the world and as mathematics teachers, we have to keep up with the change. The class where I will be incorporating the Web 2.0 technology is the Geometry class. The class will have a wide range on the math skill levels. The students will use Special Right Triangles to find missing sides of a triangle in real-life problems and use Trigonometric ratios to solve for sides or angles in a right triangle and apply it to real- life situations. The unit is called Right Triangles and the lesson where the Web 2.0 will be implemented is: use properties of 45-45-90 and 30-60-90 to find a missing side of a triangle. The lesson will include real life situations problems. To implement this technology in the class I start by creating a blog and learn how to use it. The next step will be creating a wiki space or an **edublog** for the class for the students to have a place to collaborate with each other. Also having a social platform like **edmodo** will help the teacher and students stay in touch with each other and to share information about the class. The students will be assessed on their performance solving the problems assigned and also in their collaboration/discussion with other students/teacher. The NCTM says that technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics. Using technology in the classroom to learn mathematics will help the students learn new concepts and skills, problem solving, reasoning, and communication. The students are already comfortable about using technology and are not afraid to use new gadgets. Using technology will make the students have confidence in their ability to do math instead of giving up before they start. By using different math tools like **Geogebra,** students can explore and visualize math instead of just using symbols. Using technology in Geometry the students can visualize three dimensional objects; a concept that will help them in the first classes of calculus when they get there. Also when dealing with problem solving, the students can focus on the actual solving of the problem because they can view it from different perspectives instead of trying to figure out the steps to do the “math”. Students will have access to communicate with other students, or the teacher which will help on the collaboration to solve problems. This will force the students to write down their ideas and reasoning, and will address misunderstandings to correct them on time. The use the technology will facilitate the connection between the abstract math and real life situations. The teacher can also use technology to introduce more challenging and rigorous problems during the lesson. Overall the use of technology should help the students grasp the concepts in the lesson and apply that knowledge to different situations.
 * Teaching Mathematics with Web 2.0 **

Geogebra exercise triangle
This is an exercise made with Geogebra as an example.

Special Triangles