Maine Department of Education Podcast

The first podcast that I listened to was Mathematics with Technology. This podcast was made by Judy Chandler with the Maine Department of Education. This podcast was used to demonstrate how technology can be incorporated into the classroom. Ms. Chandler said that the two main reasons that teachers do not incorporate technology into the classroom were because they did not feel that the technology played a significant role and the lack of time. The National Council of Teachers of Math said that “technology is essential for mathematics because it enhances the lessons that are taught and it makes learning more effective”. It has been proven that technology is one of six major principles creating a high quality mathematics education classroom.

The second podcast that I listened to was Thinking Mathematically. This podcast was also by Judy Chandler with the Maine Department of Education. This podcast showed that most mathematic lessons are taught traditionally. It has been proven that technology helps engage students in thinking mathematically. A lesson taught using technology could cover five to six chapters where a traditional lesson would usually cover one chapter. The technology not only allows teachers to cover more material, but it also allows many tools to help the students learn. Some tools available through the use of technology are “hands-on” experiences, visual models, different instructional abilities, and alternate ways to demonstrate learning.

As a future teacher, I think that technology is a good tool to use in the classroom. Technology helps teachers generate more effective ways of learning. I think that technologies are important to use in all subjects because it helps to keep students motivated and keeps their attention to task. New technologies allow teachers to use a “hands-on” approach, visual aids, different instruction methods, and alternative ways for students to learn.

This podcast taught me how important it is to incorporate technology into the classroom. Technology was proven to help enhance student learning and make teaching more effective. I hope that when I become a teacher I will have the newest technologies available in my classroom. Technology will allow me to make a greater impact in my students’ learning.