544_proj2_topic

Problem:

Our struggling economy needs the innovation and brain power from the youth of tomorrow. Following a 2006 International Student Assessment study, U.S. students scored below that of peers from 23 other nations. Meanwhile, most math teachers want to find ways to make their curriculum more appealing and relevant to students, while still developing mastery. Technology can provide engagement for the math classroom.

Our project will teach teachers how to develop engaging and effective math lessons with the use of technology coupled with principles of Instructional Technology.

Possible principles will include Cognitive Load.

Jim's response

I'm absolutely fine with you pursuing this topic. But - I'd point out that it is very, very large in scope. Huge, when you think about all the different ways technology could enhance the teaching of mathematics. Great that you're thinking about cognitive load - and I immediately wondered whether there was research out there specific to that area (managing cognitive load while teaching mathematics).

Just know that you'll need to come up with some over-arching structure for this content - and then likely scope it down quite a bit. I'm hoping, with a review of best practices in this area, you can quickly identify a "slice" to serve as the general topic of your project - then, a smaller slice will eventually be your prototype.