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Showing posts from October, 2011

The problem with Powerpoint for teaching maths

There are a lot places on the internet where the are negative opinions about Powerpoint.  I don't want to repeat these arguments here, instead I wish highlight particular problems relating to the use of Powerpoint in the teaching and learning of mathematics.  These are that: It reinforces a view of mathematics that it is a series of algorithms to be rote-learned; It can reduce the amount of student-centred use of ICT in learning mathematics; It is usually a static form of mathematics and there are many easy tools for creating equivalent dynamic forms of mathematics. Reinforcing a limited perception of mathematics Many Powerpoint presentations for mathematics feature a question with the stages of a solution presented.  This can have a negative impact of students' perceptions of mathematics.  There is a link between students' perception of mathematics and how successful they are.  Students who perceive maths a series of unrelated recipes for solving probl...