Turning back the clock!

In today’s era, the use of technology simplifies our lives to such an extent that we sometimes forget how to cope without these luxuries. The use of appropriate software can for example draw an angle of 90˚ with the minimum of effort and without the use of special tools or instruments.

Most of our learners do not have access to computers outside the school environment. How can we assist these learners with thinking outside of the box, or in this case, outside of the CPU? Can your learners complete the task of rotating a point with coordinates (2; 5), 90˚anticlockwise around the origin without the use of technology or instruments?

Your contribution and ideas will assist learners not only to complete their homework during the electricity load-shedding period but also contribute towards the conceptualization when applying technology to the same situation.

Bridging the Mathematical Divide

“Do not worry about your problems with Mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater.”
Albert Einstein
German-born American Physicist

Nobel Prize Winner - 1921

Mathematics as a FET subject in the South African curriculum has changed its face many times over the past few years. The current South African curriculum no longer offers Higher or Standard Grade Mathematics, leaving learners to choose between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Contrary to popular belief, Mathematical Literacy does not replace Mathematics Standard Grade, but instead offers a halfway point between the study of ‘pure’ Mathematics and the everyday application of the subject. As a result, many educators from other disciplines are now expected to present Mathematical Literacy.

The challenge to educators at present, is to use additional resources to ensure that learners are able to master the different topics. One solution is the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) resources as a teaching tool for the educator who is not necessarily qualified as a Mathematics educator. There are many ICT software programs available to assist these educators in the delivery of this daunting task. Our learners are exposed to a high level of technology on a daily basis in the form of cell phones, Internet, television and various media. Therefore the application of computers in the teaching of Mathematics could greatly assist to stimulate learners.

This blog should serve as a medium for sharing ideas and best practice between all the role players in the FET Mathematics field, starting with one fundamental question:

What role should ICT play in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Maths Literacy?