Graph That Data

THOUGHT

Computer programs like Excel can be used to introduce the concept of graphing data, and representing it visually, when students first begin learning how to create graphs.

REFLECTION #1

Giving students data and then asking them to create a graph from scratch seems a little backward, not to mention confusing for students. "Where am I supposed to do with this data?" students might ask, and "How does data become a graph?" If we allow students to input data into an Excel sheets, and allow them to see how the computer generates a graph from the data, students will discover how to use the data to make their own graphs.

REFLECTION #2

Technology is used for virtually everything these days. If the use of technology can help students to better understand a concept, then I believe we should take advantage of these technologies. This especially the case with Excel, because it is a very inexpensive program, and is probably already on most computers. Generally, children are so accustom to using computers everyday, that teaching graphing with technology should come very naturally to students. This is only one basic example of the many ways in which technology could assist in the math classroom.