Journal #8 "Succeeding at Math" -NETS-T-2

Huffmyer, S. (2008). Learning and leading with technology. Succeeding at Math, Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/200811?pg=36&pm=2&fs=1#pg36

Summary: 

Scott Huffmyer an educator, has many students that have never excelled at school, actually very below average. He needed to monitor the activity of all his students but also a way to provide personalized instruction to his students needing additional help. NetOP allows teachers to monitor activity on computers and the author was able to have the IT department figure out a way of marrying NetOP and SmartHelp. So after it was figured out, he was able to help students with their work and monitor what they are seeing at the same time. Smarthelp helps students with math problems and problem solving skills.

Question #1: 

How does SmartHelp motivate students? 

Smarthelp helps motivate students by helping them see that they can succeed and excel, therefore by making a student feel confident by helping them succeed they will be more motivated to learn. With smarthelp students are given new to look at solving math by being taught by Smarthelp a five step problem solving process, that breaks down any problem into manageable steps.

Question #2

Would I as a future educator use the Smarthelp and NetOP tool, & why? 

Yes I would use the Smarthelp and NetOP tool because it is a good way to monitor students and help students with problems from my own computer, rather than dealing with running around the room looking for students to help, the students would suggest help, and I would reply through the computer. This can also avoid students from not asking questions, because usually students are embarrassed to ask questions in front of the classroom, and by asking it through the computer the teacher would be the only one who sees it and answer it. The only thing is that if someone else is having the same problem, the teacher would have to explain it multiple of times, but to avoid this the teacher may stop the class and let them all know that someone had a question about this, and then give the solution to all the students, without naming the student who asked the question.