Teaching Mathematics with the Internet Workshop 1999

Communicating Mathematics through the Net

by

Aniekan Ebiefung, Ph.D

Goals

  1. To broaden students' understanding of math concepts through writing and discussion with other students.
  2. To improve students' thinking skills.
  3. To improve students' ability to talk and communicate mathematics.

Rationale

To write is to express one's thoughts. Students learn a great deal by writing down their ideas on a piece of paper. Studies have shown that such practice leads to long term memory. Moreover, communicating with students all over the world leads indirectly to learning about different cultures and traditional, as well as developing friendships.

Objectives

  1. To discuss, compare, contrast, and analyze a mathematical topic of interest with a student in another city, state or country.
  2. To practice writing down math concepts clearly and in such a way as to be understood by a person who is not a classmate or a teacher.

Methodology

  1. The teacher makes an arrangement with a teacher from another city, state, or county who is interested in the project. Such a contact is possible through a news group, mailing list, et cetera.
  2. The teacher makes sure that each student has a key-pal. In a situation where discussions take place in a 'news room' or so, the teacher shows each student how to subscribe to a news group or mailing list.
  3. Each student knows how to use e-mail. The teacher should encourage students to write their discussions using a word processor. This will allow students to correct mistakes before sending it via e-mail.
  4. The teachers involved in the project should let students know the appropriate time or math topic to engage their pals.

Evaluation

In evaluating students, the teacher should look for
  1. Improved understanding of math concepts discussed during the semester.
  2. Improved writing skills.
  3. An increased ability to communicate mathematically. That is, talk about mathematics using mathematical jargons.

At the end of the semester or at different times during the semester, the teacher could ask each student to speak to the class about a mathematical topic of interest, which the student had discussed with a key-pal. This will provide another opportunity for the teacher to assess progress in math communication and thinking.

BACK | HOME | TOP | CONTACT