Technology and Pedagogy

While researching the NCTM illuminations provided on the website, I came across a lesson plan called Algebra in Balance.  This intrigued me most because in my fieldwork, two of the Algebra classes are learning how to solve equations.  My Cooperating Teacher also presented the idea of an equation as a balance for the students but I thought these online activities could have been useful.  The lesson is using a balance online where students can enter algebraic expressions on each side.  There is a red and a blue side of the balance which corresponds to the color line on the graph so the students are able to identify which line relates to which equation.  The activities are helpful for the students to explore equations and how to solve them.  The questions that are facilitating the learning and thinking throughout the activities are very helpful in leading the students to think more critically.  The lesson plan had a lot of student based learning which is very beneficial and effective, however it does take a lot of time and may not need to use all of that time.  I think more teacher interaction and class discussion during each activity would benefit the students while they are exploring this new topic.   The interaction would could provide support and clarify any confusing before moving onto the next activity. I would have however changed the order in which the activities were assigned.  I believe that the Balancing Equations activity would have been much more beneficial in the beginning, rather than the end, and the Pop Balloon activity would have been understood better in the end after exploring the Pan Balance a little.  I believe the technology used in this lesson compliments the students learning and is a good way to introduce the topic.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgbQGzgMTUO_dHRRbUk3MVJnU1NnZENOOGtKdS1mLXc&usp=sharing