I feel like I have learned how to better use several tools that will help students visualize the mathematics that they are learning. I practiced using Desmos graphing calculator and thought of multiple ways that I could use it in a lesson. I also learned about new tools that I have never heard of before, such as GapMinder World. Overall, I feel like the teaching with data visualization was the most valuable lesson for me. I could see myself using several of the tools in future math lessons.
The thing that was the most frustrating for me was creating a screencast. I didn’t like that if I made a mistake while screencasting, I had to go back and re-do the entire video. I understand that creating screencasts can be valuable – it makes it unnecessary for a teacher to explain the same thing multiple times and allows for time to focus on other tasks during class time. However, I do not think it is a teaching strategy that I will ever use because I found it to be very time-consuming and frustrating to create one short video.
Image credit Moyan Brenn