Howl At Engagement with Wolfram Alpha

August 9, 2011 - 8:06pm | by jmurdock3
Presenter(s)
Joshua Murdock (Valencia College, US)
Brian Macon (Valencia College, US)
Session Information
November 11, 2011 - 1:40pm
Track: 
Technology and Emerging Learning Environments
Areas of Special Interest: 
Innovative Blends; Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Community Colleges
Audience Level: 
All
Session Type: 
Information Session
Location: 
Southern Hemisphere V
Session Duration: 
35 Minutes
Concurrent Session: 
13
Abstract
Discover innovative uses for Wolfram Alpha utilizing the website, iPhone app, and iPad app to engage learners in the classroom by exploring variety of subjects, focusing primarily on math and sciences.
Extended Abstract
This presentation will focus on the utilization of Wolfram Alpha software as a supplemental material to engage learners in both math and science courses. We will show hands on demonstrations on how this could be implemented in a real world learning environment to help students understand how to learn mathematics and sciences in a quantitative and visual approach through courses such as college algebra, calculus, chemistry, and physics. The answers from Wolfram Alpha are typically presented a human-readable solution to assist with a variety of different learning styles. A variety of sample assignments with be demonstrated with the possibility of the audience utilizing the software live to have a hands-on approach to learning this innovative tool. The goal is for participates to walk away with a clear understanding of Wolfram Alpha website, iPhone app, and iPad app as a learning tool and a variety of ways to utilize it in the classroom.
Lead Presenter

Josh Murdock, known to many as Professor Josh, has over 13 years experience in higher education at various institutions around Central Florida. Currently he is an Instructional Designer and Associate Faculty for the Education Preparatory Institute at Valencia College. Josh assists both future educators and current college faculty in developing mythologies on integrating technology into the classroom to engage students. Josh's blog www.professorjosh.com discusses technology, education, social media, and various local happenings around Central Florida. He utilizes social media to engage and network with educators around the globe. Josh is the focus behind his departments social media efforts and multiple blogs that engage and inform faculty at Valencia. He has presented at numerous national conference on the Millennial Generation and Social Media in Education. Josh has conducted various trainings, presentations, and webinars on a variety of social media, education, and technology related topics. Josh's efforts and dedication has earned him the 2011 NISOD Award of Excellence. He is actively involved in both the Social Media Club Education and Orlando chapters. He has both a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership for Higher Ed and Instructional Technology with a specialization in e-learning from the University of Central Florida. Professor Josh not only loves surfing the Internet but he loves to hit the beach with his surfboard to catch some waves.

Notes: 

A copy of the presentation can be viewed at Sloan C Presentation: Howl at Engagement with WolframAlpha #aln2011: http://wp.me/p10Pdu-xe

 

http://professorjosh.com

Presenter 1 Email: 
jmurdock3@valenciacollege.edu