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Getting Ready for Algebra Using Virtual Manipulatives (middle)
There is substantial evidence to suggest that a solid foundation in algebra provides a gateway to the higher levels of mathematics necessary for success in higher education, technological or scientific occupations, and business applications.
Overview
There is substantial evidence to suggest that a solid foundation in algebra provides a gateway to the higher levels of mathematics necessary for success in higher education, technological or scientific occupations, and business applications. Given this reality, as well as the increased focus on accountability and high academic standards, many schools and districts have instituted policies that require all students to complete algebra as a requirement for high school graduation.
In response to the accountability measures outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) worked with a panel of teachers and experts from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to develop 17 Algebra I readiness indicators, including the 5 “process” indicators and the 12 “content and skills” indicators. This course is structured around the 12 content and skills readiness indicators and will introduce a collection of virtual manipulatives that will help curriculum planners and classroom teachers meet the demand to prepare students for Algebra I.
Participants can download and use all of the activity sheets in this course with students at their school. As a final product, participants will develop a technology-enhanced lesson that is aligned with the SREB algebra readiness indicators.
Goals and Products
This course will enable participants to:
- Identify the essential content and process readiness indicators for student success in Algebra I
- Identify virtual manipulatives and interactive applets that target the essential skills and knowledge aligned with each of the content readiness indicators
- Analyze virtual manipulatives and interactive applets according to given criteria including: alignment with mathematics learning goals, instructional strengths and limitations, ease of use, and availability of support materials
- Use virtual manipulatives and interactive applets in activities that target the essential skills and knowledge required to meet the essential algebra readiness indicators
- Develop activities that use virtual manipulatives and interactive applets to target the essential skills and knowledge required to meet the essential algebra readiness indicators
As a final product, participants will create a lesson plan that incorporates a virtual manipulative or online tool into the curriculum.
Format and Requirements
This course is divided into six one-week sessions which each include readings, an activity and an online discussion among course participants. The time for completing each session is estimated to be two to four hours.
The outline for the course is as follows:
| Session 1 | Introduction to Algebra Readiness and Virtual Manipulatives |
| Session 2 | Number and Operations Indicators |
| Session 3 | Geometry and Measurement Indicators |
| Session 4 | Data and Probability Indicators |
| Session 5 | Algebra and Function Indicators |
| Session 6 | Summary and Final Project |
In the first session, participants will be introduced to the SREB Getting Students Ready for Algebra I report and will start working with virtual manipulatives and interactive applets. In Sessions Two through Five, participants will deepen their understandings of content-specific readiness indicators through the use of interactive tools, within the context of mathematics instruction that targets these specific content indicators. Finally, in Session Six, participants will critique and plan appropriate uses of technology in supporting the algebra readiness indicators as part of their final projects.
Prerequisites
This is an introductory course for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers and proficiency with e-mail and current web browsers.
Content and Technology Standards
This online course addresses the mathematics skills and knowledge that are necessary for students to be successful in algebra as described in the SREB report, Getting Students Ready for Algebra I, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM’s) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM 2000).
This course, Getting Ready for Algebra by Using Virtual Manipulatives, will help participants meet the ISTE Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for All Teachers, especially Standards I, II and III.
