This document discusses problem solving and how technology can assist. It defines problem solving as educational activities where students ask questions, make predictions, and revise ideas based on evidence. It then presents Polyas Framework for problem solving which involves understanding the problem, using problem solving strategies, and checking results. The document goes on to discuss how software, apps, discovery learning games like Scratch, and educational computer/video games can help students with problem solving in subjects like math.

1. EXPLORING PROBLEM
SOLVING WITH SOFTWARE,
APPS, AND GAMES
Chandler Stroup

2. WHAT WE MEAN BY PROBLEM
SOLVING…
 Educational activities in which students ask
questions, make predictions, test theories, and
revise ideas based on data and evidence (Maloy,
2014).

3. PROBLEM SOLVING FRAMEWORK
Understanding
the Problem
•Identify the type of
question being asked
•What is the question
asking the students?
•What do the students
know that can help
them solve the
problem?
Using Problem
Solving Strategies
•Connect information
with what they know
•Making further
deductions
•Decide if the chosen
strategy will lead to a
solution to the problem
Checking results
•Determine if problem
was solved correctly
•If not, solve the
problem again by:
•Reassessing what is
being asked,
eliminating wrong
answers, or
rechecking
computations.
 Open-end problems can be tricky for students to
tackle, but Polyas Framework for problem
solving assists with resolving that problem.

4. HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY ASSISTED WITH
PROBLEM SOLVING?
 Software
 Commercial Products
 Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
 Safari
 Adobe Photoshop
 Open Source Products
 Mozilla Firefox
 OpenOffice Writer
 GIMP Image Editor

5. DISCOVERY LEARNING
 Squeak Etoys
 Website
 http://www.squeakland.org/
 Scratch
 Website
 http://scratch.mit.edu/#
 Video
 http://vimeo.com/65583694

6. COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES
 It can be difficult as educators to determine
what type of computer or video games (if any)
are appropriate for use in the classroom
setting.
 Figure 7.2 in out textbook, Transforming
Learning with New Technologies provides a
spectrum that games can be evaluated with.
 Uses Blooms thinking skills arranged from low
order to high order on the vertical axis
 Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing,
Evaluating, and Creating
 Uses the learning goals on the horizontal axis
 Entertainment, Edutain, Education

7. LEARNING MATH!
 Math Blaster
 http://www.mathblaster.com/
 Millie’s Math House
 Video
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zygkV0SnhtA
 Can be purchased from:
 www.hmhinnovation.com.index.php
 Raft Race Challenge
 http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/me4rr/