Journal #2

Speaking Math: Using Chat in the Multicultural Math Classroom
By Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson

The article focuses on the fact that at Osbourne High School in Washington, D.C. two math classes have been using online chats and forums along with the traditional classroom setup. The online discussions are focusing on math vocabulary and concepts, because Moodle software does not allow math symbols. The article goes on to state that non-native speakers and those that have trouble in math particularly benefit from this type of online communication. The chats are often held during school hours in the computer lab, as they found that students could all gain access this way and the instructor could place them in groups. According to the article small groups worked out the best, as groups of more than five students often were more easily confused and students could not participate as much. The students participated in chat rooms, where they were having real time discussions in short periods. They also took part in forums, where discussion takes place at different times over the course of an assignment. Overall, the article took away that chat rooms and discussion forums provided another tool to reach students by providing a new way to participate and discuss content in courses.

Questions:

1. How can I use chat rooms or discussion forums in my classroom?
I would like to use them while at school, so that all the students can have access to this medium. I would want to organize small groups, and have them each focus on different aspects of whatever the assignment is. My hope is that if I can utilize this tool, I can have them participate in online chat rooms or forums weekly or twice a month. Then hopefully kids who aren’t as comfortable verbally communicating in class will also be able to be heard and feel they have a way to participate that is more comfortable.

2. Is it really necessary to use online chat or discussion forums in the classroom?I believe these are very important and essential parts in teaching the students of today. The reason I feel this way is that it will familiarize them with technology, and also help them to understand that technology is educational. It is also important in that I think it does allow students who are non-native speakers or who struggle to communicate in class another avenue to get comfortable participating. Students that don’t necessarily feel comfortable speaking and participating in traditional classroom settings nay be more inclined to come out of their shells in this type of environment.