Math Training Module: Using the Internet in Support of GED Math Instruction

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The purpose of this course is to explore technology-based resources and tools that can be used to bolster the math concepts tested by the GED. While identifying resources and tools is one part of this process, the more important parts are the teacher's ability:

• to evaluate resources for their usefulness; and
• to consider how the resources could be used most effectively.

This course consists of 5 sessions. The first session provides a general overview of some of the larger issues related to teaching math to adults; the next 4 sessions focus on the topics of:

• Problem Solving;
• Geometry, Spatial Sense, and Measurement;
• Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistics; and
• Algebra.

Sessions 2-5 are similarly structured in that they consist of 2 sections that each raise an issue and require exploring particular websites to inform a response to that issue.

Most of the time in each section is devoted to time online exploring websites. Remaining time focuses on a debriefing period where participants share their impressions and ideas. Exposure to the various websites will, at the least, give participants new things to think about as math practitioners. The goal is to get them to then act on what they’ve experienced. The sharing sessions at the end of most lessons should enhance participants’ willingness to try new things with technology in their classrooms as they hear ideas from others.

To the Trainer:

As literacy budgets shrink it is more imperative than ever that adult educators be able to identify, evaluate and effectively use resources available free or for a small fee on-line. These training modules are designed to facilitate your ability to help adult educators discover and use online and other technology tools as they teach math to adult students.

As a trainer, you must ensure that you are familiar with all the websites listed and that you have formed your own ideas of how good they are, and how they might be used in the adult classroom. Before you begin any of these units, please take the time to go to the featured websites and spend time with each one exploring what it has to offer. Only then can you be a skillful facilitator for learning.