Journal #3 Speaking Math

Speaking math using chat.
By Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson

This was an interesting article that used technology in the math class in a very unique format. The class used chat rooms to discuss math and because there are no math symbols in the chat room students are forced to "speak math" by using expressive vocabulary. I like how the instructors used the chat rooms to break the classroom into small groups to ovoid the confusion of a large class where usually the loudest voice does all the talking. In this setting each student has a chance to be heard and have his/her questions answered by peers. It is also beneficial for non-English learners who can type questions or comments maybe they lacked confidence to do so in the classroom. Another aspect that really intrigues me about this article is that it gets everyone involved in class. And if i can be honest, math can be so stinking boring that this idea seems like a great way to "spice" things up in courses or areas where students may lack focus. I think i would be more inclined to get involved in my math class if we had used the idea of speaking math in chat.

1.A question I have that was only touched on at the end of the article is how would this work in the upper division classes...junior and senior year courses?

Here is what the authors said, "For instance, physics students could be asked to connect Rutherford’s experiments to the discovery of the nucleus of an atom, while history students could discuss how the U.S. Civil War would be different if General Lee had remained with the Union" (p.4) And i agree that it would work well for history and even English but i think i could get difficult in the math and sciences...but then again it could just challenge students to speak math and sciences in a new language.

2. Could this be used in a special education classroom?

As i desire to teach special education every article i read i try to think about how that could pertain to my future classroom. It would be difficult for many of my future students to be engaged in a online chat considering my desire would be for them to understand basic functions of a computer. But what if...what if there was a way to use pictures instead of words or something along those lines that would make it possible. It might possible be a avenue no one has tried because nobody was daring enough to try. I think it could work and it would definitely be worth a try.