Getting ready for algebra with virtual manipulatives: Online course syllabus
Syllabus for the online course "Getting Ready for Algebra by Using Virtual Manipulatives" which is structured around the 12 content and skills readiness indicators and will introduce a collection of virtual manipulatives that will help curriculum planners and classroom teachers meet the demand to prepare students for Algebra I.
Course description
There is substantial evidence to suggest that a solid foundation in algebra provides a gateway to the higher levels of mathematics necessary for success in higher education, technological or scientific occupations, and business applications. Given this reality, as well as the increased focus on accountability and high academic standards, many schools and districts have instituted policies that require all students to complete algebra as a requirement for high school graduation.
In response to the accountability measures outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) worked with a panel of teachers and experts from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to develop 17 Algebra I readiness indicators, including the 5 “process” indicators and the 12 “content and skills” indicators. This course is structured around the 12 content and skills readiness indicators and will introduce a collection of virtual manipulatives that will help curriculum planners and classroom teachers meet the demand to prepare students for Algebra I.
Prerequisites
This is an introductory workshop for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, and other school personnel who integrate technology into mathematics instruction. Participants are expected to have a set of baseline skills in both mathematics and technology. The prerequisite skills and knowledge are as follows:
- Technological
Participants are expected to have basic technology skills and regular access to computers. Specifically, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, using email, and saving and accessing computer files. - Mathematics Content/Standards
This online workshop addresses the mathematics skills and knowledge that are necessary for students to be successful in algebra as described in the SREB report, Getting Students Ready for Algebra I, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ (NCTM’s) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM 2000).
Participants should have a working knowledge of the expectations outlined in the NCTM Algebra Standard, which states:
“Instructional programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to:- understand patterns, relations, and functions;
- represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols;
- use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships; and
- analyze change in various contexts” (PSSM p. 37).
Additionally, participants should have specific understanding of the algebra goals and expectations for students in grades 6-8 as outlined in NCTM’s Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM 2000) on pages 222-231.
Course goals
This workshop will enable participants to:
- Identify the essential content and process readiness indicators for student success in Algebra I
- Identify virtual manipulatives and interactive applets that target the essential skills and knowledge aligned with each of the content readiness indicators
- Analyze virtual manipulatives and interactive applets according to given criteria including: alignment with mathematics learning goals, instructional strengths and limitations, ease of use, and availability of support materials
- Use virtual manipulatives and interactive applets in activities that target the essential skills and knowledge required to meet the essential algebra readiness indicators
- Develop activities that use virtual manipulatives and interactive applets to target the essential skills and knowledge required to meet the essential algebra readiness indicators
Course requirements and evaluation
Course products
As a final product, participants will create a lesson plan that incorporates a virtual manipulative or online tool into the curriculum.
Discussion
Students will be evaluated on the frequency and quality of their discussion board participation. Students are required to post a minimum of two substantial postings each session, including one that begins a new thread and one that responds to an existing thread. Postings that begin new threads will be reviewed based on their relevance, demonstrated understanding of course concepts, examples cited, and overall quality. Postings that respond to other students will be evaluated on relevance, degree to which they extend the discussion, and tone.
