Digital Blog Post E

After reading chapter 7 the three concepts I found interesting were "Steps in Solving Problems", "Building, Inventing, and Creating Software" and "Minimize the Use of Games That Teach Isolated Skills". The first concept "Steps in Solving Problems" really stuck out to me because a man by the name of George Polya proposed an idea for solving mathematical problems. The steps are Understanding the problem, Using problem-solving strategies, and checking results. I really like this approach to a mathematical problem. I have always had a hard time in math and this approach would of been a great way to help me take a step back and understand just what I was doing. The first step which is "understanding the problem" students will need to identify the type of question they are being asked, what the question is asking them to do, and what they already know that can help them solve the problem. Out of that step the part that says to identify what you are already know is really important to me, before beginning you may know more than you think just read the question and go over the facts. The second step is "Using problem-solving strategies" this step is really telling you to break down the problem and make sure your chosen strategy will give you the solution to the problem. The last step is "Checking results" this step is extremely important but often overlooked. In my math class I had often found myself thinking I had done the problem right but in the end I may have missed a step. Rechecking a useful step and can help you eliminate wrong answers.

 The second concept I chose to reflect on was "Building, Inventing, and Creating Software" this paragraph explains how these three things happen when students engage in open-minded explorations of topics and items that interest them. It says this learning begins at a young age when children are using manipulative materials. One other thing the text said was the most effective programs are those that do not require a single right way to use them or a single right answer. I agree 100% students feel more comfortable trying new ways of learning when they don't feel pressured. It gives a few examples for teachers to use with their kids like kid Pix and google earth. Google Earth was a great activity we did in class that I believe kept the class engaged. And having us line up in order from where we lived was a fun way to let us use technology and let us interact with each other. After reading about Kid Pix I absolutely love it, it's a fantastic way to let students use their imagination and really bring their work to life especially for younger students. 

My last concept I found was 'Minimize the Use of Games That Teach Isolated Skills" after reading this paragraph I had sort of a hard time understanding the authors view on the two games that were mentioned. In my opinion I think a game that has you answer a math problem that helps you earn points or helps you defeat a bad guy etc. is a great way to keep children interested and also learning. I wasn't sure if that was considered and isolated game or not but I do think it's an effective way of learning. Maybe it would be better if she had to line up two sets of 5 if the question was 2x5 instead of just being to click an answer out of options like stated in the book. I think that would give students a better understanding and maybe if the the player got it wrong it would stop and explain to the student/player why he or she got the answer wrong to help them improve their math skills.

 Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.