2010 Limacon Memo

1. Conference Report
To: James T. Scannell, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
From: A. Jorge García, Teacher of Calculus and Computer Science
Date: June 3, 2010
RE: Limaçon 2010
CC: BSHS Mathematics Department
Background:
Every year in March, the Long Island MAth CONference (LI-MA-CON)
is held at SUNY Old Westbury. LIMACON 2006 attracted presenters and
teachers from all over the globe. The conference covers topics in teaching
mathematics and computer science from K-College. I have been attending
every even year since 1990 and presenting every even year since 2000.
Observations:
My first session was presented by Kit Villani. Ms. Villani is a recently
retired teacher of Sequential Mathematics for Manhasset Schools. Her
presentation was about a graphical approach for learning iterated functions
using the TI-83 Graphing Calculator.
I spent the second session preparing a computer room for my talk.
The last session was presented by me. The title of my talk was “Look
Ma, No Calculator!” I presented a lesson as I do in class without an actual
graphing calculator. So, I spoke about how to use technology in the
mathematics classroom such as the Smart Airliner slate, Smart Notebook,
Virtual TI calculator and YouTube to store videos for later study.
Recommendations:
Now that most every Mathematics class uses the TI-83 or TI-89
graphing calculator, each Mathematics classroom should be remodeled.
Having to bring in and set up a projector at the beginning of each period
wastes too much of the teacher’s time between classes and instructional time
during class. I would recommend that each Mathematics classroom be
refitted like my room, room 429 at the High School. I have a PC in the back
of the room attached to a PC Projector controlled by a Tablet via Bluetooth.
The students focus on the presentation at the front of the class on a
projection screen. I can see that everyone is on task from my station in the
back. I also have a wireless microphone and recording software to make
YouTube recordings for students who are absent or who want to review an old
topic.
a:limacon2010.mem.doc