Connectivism...

One aspect of connectivism is that knowledge is often dynamic. Teachers and students must find an efficient way to stay current. More specifically, how does this apply to creativity in mathematics? I would say that the minute you learn a new concept, you should be thinking of ways to access updated information about that concept. One way to do this is by getting an RSS feed to that link to stay informed about any changes to that information.  Another way is to follow twitter users that give up to date information.  

Teachers and students have the capability to network with other teachers and students around the world because of Web 2.0 technology today. There may be no reason for schools to be left behind if the technology is available for those schools to connect using current technology. Students sharing information with other students on a global scale could be a way for them to engage in creative ideas with math or any other subject.  So connectivism could be a way for students to enhance their creativity in math while using technology.

Here is a link to just about everything you ever wanted to know about connectivism.
http://www.scoop.it/t/connectivism

Reflection of the Twitter List

The Twitter List link from the previous post taught me a few things about twitter. First of all, I had no idea that twitter lists were such a great way to research your topics of interest. Second, the list functions like a social bookmarking website, but it is contained within twitter. Finally, some links are not what they appear to be. For example, one link I found through my search was not about math, but someone telling about their dinner and beverages they had been enjoying a little too much.

To be included in my list the link had to fit my blog focus of technology and creativity in math. To my surprise, there were not a lot of twitter links for my search. However, some of the links I found seemed to fit my needs perfectly. One of my favorite twitter links was Creative Mathematics ‏ @Creative_Math. This twitter account has another link to their website for teacher training in math creativity using technology. I was pleased to find such a great resource and I look forward to getting more information from them.

Hopefully, other professionals will find some of the resources on my list useful. As I mentioned previously, there were not a lot of links specifically for math technology and creativity. However, I do feel that the links I found will lead to more knowledge about enhancing creativity and the use of technology in math.

Here is a link to my Twitter List

 https://twitter.com/#!/search/math%20creativity

Are We Limiting Our Student's Creativity?

I was in a math class that discussed an article about why teachers should not tell students how to solve math problems.  There is more involved than just NOT telling students the answer or NOT telling students how to solve a problem. 
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*Each student's prior knowledge must be assessed. 

*Parents and students must be aware of the process involved in this type of class.

*Students must have resources available to them to help them solve the problems.
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There have been recent discussions over the benefits of what some call "back to the basics mathematics" verses what some call "fuzzy math" (see the video).  However, I'm  of the opinion that both could be beneficial if used in a way that relates to our students today.  This would mean a good foundation of basic mathematics using most of the standard methods first, then students would be allowed to analyze, evaluate, and create project-based assignments.  Instead of students learning only my way to solve a real world problem, they would develop their own methods of solving these problems.  Engaging students in real world applications for mathematical solutions will enhance each student's math skills and prepare them for a life after school. 
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Imagine if a teacher limited Einstein to only use the methods and procedures allowed in his math or physics class. This would have changed the future of the world. Then why do we limit students to only a few formulas and procedures for solving math problems?  As teachers, we must change the way we teach to allow students to be more creative.

WELCOME!!!