davidwees.com

There is lots of research which shows that human beings are complex.  In fact, although we can be modeled as groups of people mathematically in many circumstances, individual humans are too complex for mathematical analysis to much use in exactly predicting our behaviour.  However humans do follow patterns of behaviour, and we can predict what a possible range of behaviours are we expect to see.  Obviously this is why our social structures work because this predictive ability is easy enough that one can do it without the aid of a computer.

How can a networked community could be embedded in the design of authentic learning experiences in math or science?

Update:  Thinking about trying to set this up again if there is sufficient interest.

Hi folks,

In your inquiry e-folio, reflect upon knowledge representation and information visualization based on your post above and the discussion it generated with your peers. Ensure that you refer to the software you chose to explore.

Here are some links to my schemes of work I am currently using for IB Mathematical Studies, for Year 1 and Year 2, created in collaboration with Craig Molla.

IB Mathematical Studies Year 1

IB Mathematical Studies Year 2

I also have my personal unit plans for IB Mathematical Studies Year 2 available:

I'm currently enrolled in my Masters in Educational Technology at the University of British Columbia, and it's a wonderful program, I highly recommend it.  One of the things we are currently looking into is something called the Jasper series, which is essentially a series of videos intended to bring real applications of mathematics into the classroom.

I was surfing around when I found a really interesting post by Steve Yegge.  He makes the point:

I'm guessing the list was designed to prepare students for science and engineering professions. The math courses they teach in and high school don't help ready you for a career in programming, and the simple fact is that the number of programming jobs is rapidly outpacing the demand for all other engineering roles. - Steve

Here is a question posed in my class this week.

What is a good use of technology in the math and science classroom? What would such a learning experience and environment look like? What would be some characteristics of what it is and what it isn't?

Here are my thoughts in no particular order.

A list of articles that I have written for the Bangkok Post (not all were published).  I still have to scan in some of my articles from the Bangkok Post, so the links on this page will be updated soon.