MathEd 308: Teaching Mathematics with Technology
 Winter Semester 2009
  T TH 2:00-3:30
197 TMCB

 

Dr. Keith R. Leatham
kleatham@mathed.byu.edu                

193A TMCB

422-2057

Office Hours: 

    
     M W   2:30-4:00
     T  TH 3:30-4:30
Course Objectives
Technology
Although we will spend some time discussing graphing calculators, the majority of our time will be spent investigating the ways in which computers can be used to explore mathematics. We will primarily learn to use the following technologies/programs: You should expect to spend a considerable amount of time outside of class using computer programs to explore mathematics and write-up those explorations. This necessitates that you have access to a computer as well as the programs we are using. There are many Open Access Computer Labs on campus. GSP and Excel are located in all of the labs. Many of you have other access to computers (at home or at work) but will need to purchase and/or install these programs if you choose to do a majority of your work there.
Personal Web Pages
Your first assignment for this class will be to create your own personal web page. You will continue to build this web site throughout the semester and, by December, you should have an excellent on line resource for your future use as a mathematics education student and as a mathematics teacher. Although you are welcome to locate this web page anywhere you like, I recommend a free, user-friendly service such as Google Sites or tripod or even consider creating your own wiki for this class at wetpaint.com. If you have a blog and it has sufficient capabilities you may even be able to use it.
Assignments
Write-ups for all assignments for this course will be "turned in" by posting them to your personal web page and then sending me an email with an included link to your write-up. I will respond to your email with comments, suggestions for improvement, and your grade on the assignment (out of 10). Although you should try to get each assignment turned in within a week of when it is assigned, you have 2 weeks to turn in (and re-turn in) most assignments. Within this 2-week block, any number of revisions could eventually result in 10/10 on a given assignment. About once a week you will be assigned to read an article and come to class prepared to discuss it. You will then post an "article reflection" to your web page. In general you will have about one week in which to submit and revise this reflection.

You may follow the following links to see grading rubrics for your write-ups and article reflections. Also, here are a few examples of quality write-ups (sample 1, sample 2, sample 3) and article reflections (sample 1, sample 2) from the past.

There will be two exams for this class--a midterm and a final. Each exam will be worth 40 points, which is the equivalent of four regular assignments. The midterm exam will be posted on our course web page on Thursday, February 19 and will be due via "hidden link" on or before Monday, February 23. The final exam will be taken during our regularly scheduled final time (Wednesday, April 22, 7am - 10am).

Your final grade will be determined based on the following standard scale:
 

Grade

%

Grade

%

A

93-100

C

73-76

A-

90-92

C-

70-72

B+

87-89

D+

67-69

B

83-86

D

63-66

B-

80-82

D-

60-62

C+

77-79

E

 < 60

Academic Integrity
Much of the Church Education System Honor Code deals with issues of academic integrity. You, the student, are responsible to ensure that everything you hand in for this class represents your own work. With respect to written assignments, even if you work with others, your work should be completed independently and in your own words. All sources should be cited, whether you directly quote, paraphrase, or simply get your ideas therein. Direct quotes must be set apart by quotation marks. Summarizing someone else's writing by simply changing a few words is not paraphrasing, it is plagiarism. You are responsible for understanding how to communicate your own ideas and cite those of others. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. More information on plagiarism can be found in the Honor Code. For an excellent tutorial on plagiarism see the website  Understanding Plagiarism at Indiana University. If you have any questions about these matters please feel free to talk to me or to get advice from the BYU Writing Center.

Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university’s expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please contact the Honor Code Office if you have questions about those standards.

Preventing Sexual Discrimination or Harassment
Harassment of any kind is inappropriate at BYU. Specifically, BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, or other inappropriate behavior, please talk to your professor, contact the Equal Employment Office (422-5895 or 367-5689), or contact the Honor Code Office (422-2847).

Students with Disabilities

BYU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may adversely affect your success in this course, please contact the University Accessibility Center (422-2767). Services deemed appropriate will be coordinated with the student and instructor by that office. Check out the UAC Volunteer Website if you are interested in mentoring a student with a disability.

Children in the Classroom
The serious study of the physical and mathematical sciences requires uninterrupted concentration and focus in the classroom. Having small children in class is often a distraction that degrades the educational experience for the entire class. Please make other arrangements for child care rather than bringing children to class with you. If there are extenuating circumstances, please talk with your instructor in advance.


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