Max Rose Blog 3.5

Max Rose

Professor Little

Math 211 MW

March 31, 2015

Part A:

            There are many tools in which students of all math levels can get to an answer.  Some of the best include a Texas Instrument 84 Graphing Calculator, Kahn Academy, Math Ninja App, and a pencil.

TI84 Calculator:

·      Summary- This is Texas Instruments best calculator of all time.  It is your standard graphing calculator that WHEN USED COREECTLY can be a tool to help students answer simple addition or subtraction all the way to graphing derivative functions.  If someone wants to download an app to play a game on the calculator, guess what, you can!

·      Usefulness- Students can graph functions at any algebra level.  See a table of a function.  Solve additional, subtraction, division and multiplication problems, and so much more.  Anything you can think of it can probably do.  Games can be downloaded and can be good for a long car ride to try and beat your high score of “Snake” or “Tetris”

·      Age- This calculator is appropriate for all students who take math anywhere and everywhere.  Upon arrival there is need for an adult to supervise the students because it may seem overwhelming.  Teachers should give a class or two dedicated to use of the calculator.  Childers under 7 should not use the machine because if broken is expensive to replace so only give to mature students.

·      Recommendation- Based on my own personal math career this has been the best tool for me.  Its usefulness covers all areas of math and it is a one time fee too, great for if you are on a budget. Furthermore, you can update the calculator to do new and improved things.  Can be used at the individual and class levels.

Kahn Academy:

·       Summary- Kahn Academy is a math heaven for students who need reinforcement in fundamental building blocks struggling in math classes.  Kahn Academy is a FREE online tutor.  It has a lesson for every math concept and an example to go along with it.

·      Usefulness- Students can type in the math concept they are struggling in and pick a lesson for their needs.  Every lesson is useful because it allows someone to relearn what he or she did in class.  Understanding that concept though is based on the students desire to learn.  They must focus and take note on the lessons.

·      Age- Students who have started algebra or in higher math levels should use this resource.  Students who have not reached algebra probably will find results that are too hard. 

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Recommendation- All in all based on my own personal experience I have used Kahn Academy a few times.  It is helpful as it lets students practice math and relearn it.  However, a student should not become dependent on Kahn Academy because it will not substitute a classroom environment or for a teacher. 

Math Ninja App:

·      Summary- Math Ninja is a math application on any mobile device that helps students learn basic mathematical skills. It is a fun way for students to practice math skills.  The goal is to fend off the warriors trying to overrun the Ninja, but you can stop them with your math knowledge.

·      Usefulness- Math Ninja is useful for a select amount of people.  This is not a tool to learn material it will not help with practice problems.  It is great for travel too as everything is at your fingertips.  If you need paper or a calculator this app is not for you because it is suppose just for practice and should be quick to fend off the ninjas.

·      Age- The age range for this is anyone studying basic math at an elementary so basically anyone between the ages of 6 to 10. 

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Recommendation- This is an app that I have not downloaded because it does not apply my age limit.  However, if I was I child learning these math skills I would love to play this math game as it is a new fun interactive way to get students to learn math.

Pencil:

·      Summary- A pencil is a tool that serves so any purpose across our world and so many different field of study.  However, in math it is a necessary tool.  Some use pen or other writing utensils however pencils allow for mistakes to be dealt with in a proper measure where pens and other tools do not allow for correction.  IN math mistakes are okay assuming students fix them and that can be done with a pencil

·      Usefulness- This is the most useful writing utensil on the planet.  It allows students to not only write but also erase with the eraser.  The eraser helps correct math problems, it is perhaps more important the tip of the pencil on the other side.

·      Age- All people who are willing and have the ability to write

·      Recommendation- In my own math career I used to always use a pen.  It was smoother and I had a plethora of colors to write with.  However, when it came to math I could never go back and fix my work so I would scratch it out and before I would know it I would have my work disorganized and I would get the wrong answer.  With a pencil this does not happen because I can keep my work organized without starting over, it is more time efficient and effective in a math class.