# Essential Tools for Online Math Teaching: A Modern Approach
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Online Math Education
In this article, I will discuss the essential tools and applications that math teachers can employ during remote instruction, addressing how these resources can facilitate student comprehension of the material.
The emergence of platforms like YouTube since February 14, 2005, marks a transformative phase in education. Soon, we will be able to empower a generation to learn independently rather than confining them to traditional classrooms with inadequate environments. By connecting rural areas to the internet, we can offer quality education at minimal costs.
I am optimistic about the future of online education. I believe that when students take charge of their learning, they will invest effort into their education, recognizing that their success depends on their engagement and utilization of technology for note-taking. This proactive approach suggests a promising and productive future.
However, I acknowledge that many educators, including myself, who have benefited from online higher mathematics education, may not be fully prepared for this mode of teaching. The primary issue lies in the readiness of educators to adapt to these new teaching conditions.
As educators, we must strive to fulfill our responsibilities diligently. To provide our students with the best possible education, we need to effectively harness technology. This starts with having the right tools.
When I mention "the right tools," I'm not referring to the subpar options that often populate search results for "Best tools for classroom instruction." Instead, I will focus on high-quality resources like Paper, Desmos, and Wolfram Alpha.
Before diving in, I want to clarify that this is not a product review. My goal is to share information that can genuinely benefit others for the greater good.
Section 1.1: Paper by WeTransfer
For me, the Paper app stands out as the most aesthetically pleasing note-taking and drawing application available. It enables users to capture ideas swiftly, reflecting a natural creative process. With infinite notebooks at my disposal, I can easily organize my thoughts and begin lectures, writing, or outlining. Overall, it is an exceptional app!
Section 1.2: Apple Pencil
Upon first using the Apple Pencil, I was impressed by its ergonomic design, which closely resembles traditional writing instruments. Apple has designed it so that users can write naturally without needing to adjust their technique. I find the Apple Pencil incredibly helpful, allowing me to easily use my iPad for explanations while standing or walking, with handwriting that mirrors my traditional penmanship.
Chapter 2: Leveraging Online Resources
The first video discusses 28 platforms for online teaching, covering ESL, tutoring, and group classes, while exploring income potential, requirements, and scheduling.
Section 2.1: Abakcus
The internet is vast and full of resources. Abakcus is a valuable collection of articles, books, projects, videos, and tools about mathematics and science. It allows users to discover high-quality content efficiently.
Section 2.2: Wolfram Alpha
If you're looking for a tool that surpasses Google, Wolfram Alpha is the answer. This platform provides comprehensive answers to a wide range of queries, including step-by-step solutions for calculus problems. I find it particularly useful for challenging calculus questions, and it offers a wealth of information at an affordable price.
The second video introduces five free tools that every online teacher should utilize, enhancing the setup for teaching online.
Section 2.3: Brilliant
Brilliant is an exceptional educational platform that fosters a community of learners engaged in solving mathematical problems. Unlike beginner-focused sites like Khan Academy, Brilliant is tailored for advanced students preparing for Math Olympiad contests, offering a fun and interactive learning experience.
Section 2.4: Desmos
Desmos is an outstanding tool for visualizing mathematical concepts, especially functions. The founder emphasizes learning through hands-on experience, and the platform excels at helping users graph functions creatively.
Section 2.5: Coursera and edX
Coursera and edX offer a remarkable opportunity to access Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT, providing more than 400 free online courses.
Section 2.6: LaTeX
LaTeX is an excellent document preparation system for creating visually appealing assignments. Sharelatex.com is a valuable resource for learning and utilizing LaTeX, allowing users to design and save their work in a cloud-based system.
Section 2.7: Dropmark
As you gather numerous online resources, Dropmark serves as a beautiful organizational tool, allowing you to catalog your favorite websites with tags for easy retrieval.
Section 2.8: The Importance of Writing Tools
A good educator should always carry a writing instrument, as ideas can quickly fade. As Clive Thompson aptly noted, "When your fingers can't move as fast as your thoughts, your ideas suffer."
Section 2.9: Moleskine Notebooks
Finally, an educator's essential companion is a notebook. Mastery of a subject requires extensive practice, and documenting your learning journey in a Moleskine notebook can significantly enhance your teaching capabilities.
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