Math 390

Technology and Secondary School Mathematics Seminar

Here are Your Web Pages!

Sandy Jarzab - http://www.wiu.edu/users/musmj6/
Sandra Kestner - http://www.wiu.edu/users/sjk106/sandi.html
Donna Curtis - http://www.wiu.edu/users/dmc111/all-about-donna-curtis.html
Amy Williams - http://www.wiu.edu/users/alw102/amylee.htm
Cory Herschler - http://www.wiu.edu/users/cgh101/hersch.htm
Amber Bricker - http://www.wiu.edu/users/alb120/mrsbsmathpage.html
Rae Brooks - http://www.wiu.edu/users/rlb122/rae.html
Joe Stevens - http://www.wiu.edu/users/mujjs11/Joe.html
Chris Sieder - http://www.wiu.edu/users/cks101/http/homepage.html

1. Familiarize yourself with the WebCT site.
2. Ask questions in the Communication Tools|Discussions area.
3. Get the plug-ins. Note that the WebEq Equation Editor download seems unavailable, at last check. That's OK for now. If you have trouble making or viewing "equations" (mathematics) in WebCT, then contact Dr. Olsen. Click http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfjro1/wiu/stu/generic/online-needs.htm and download the plug-ins.
4. Get a graphics calculator a familiarize yourself the basic graphics calculator keys (first group on the following sheet) on http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfjro1/wiu/stu/calculators/basics.htm.

1. Use of a spreadsheet for personal productivity. Create your own grading system (points, weighted categories, etc.). Type up (using Word) a description of your grading system for your students and parents. Use Excel to make a spreadsheet that calculates grades. Type in some fictitious names (about 10 students is enough) and grades (make it fairly realistic, with enough grades for one quarter). Submit the Word document and the Excel spreadsheet.
2. Create a "Quickie Online Activity" that is linked to web site. An example will be provided. Use the form provided.
3. Create a basic website for yourself personally or yourself as a teacher (or both). It should include at least three pages. This should be save on your WIU Ecom account. E-mail me the URL from Ecom.
4. Learn a web site (of your choice but you have to sign up with Dr. Olsen), evaluate the web site, fill out our evaluation form, and make an 8-minute presentation of the website (in class to your peers). The presentation should show us how to navigate the site, describe it's broad goals, describe the site's strengths and weaknesses, demonstrate some of it's strongest (or weakest) features, and give your overall evaluation.
5. Use of a spreadsheet for mathematics instruction. Find an algebra word problem that can be solved using a spreadsheet (feel free to show it to Dr. Olsen to verify it's appropriateness). Use Excel to make a spreadsheet that solves the problem. The spreadsheet should be intuitive and self-explanatory (and intended for your algebra students). Type in the problem statement near the top of the spreadsheet. Type out the answer at the bottom of the spreadsheet. Submit the Excel spreadsheet. Sample problem. Sample solution.
6. Create a "document" utilizing graphics from various sources and the equation editor. The "document" can be any of the following:
   • Sponge activity
   • Quiz
   • Worksheet
   • Handout
   • Quickie Online Activity
   • Powerpoint presentation
   • Web page

   The "document" should contain graphics from various sources. Graphics to consider using might come from:

   • TI-Connect (download from a calculator)
   • Digital Photo
   • Maple
   • From the Web
   • Spreadsheet graph (there are many, pies, bars, lines, etc.)
   • From a scanner (e.g., from a newspaper)
   • "Hand drawn" with Paint.

   Creativity is strongly encouraged. The mathematical topic is up to the student.