The program I utilized for my technology lesson is Desmos. Desmos is a great program for students to explore the different effects each coefficient and sign has on a given equations graph. In this particular lesson the students will develop their own understanding of graphic transformations for quadratic equations. The students first start by inserting x^2 to make a standard parabola followed by a quadratic equation in the form a(x+b)^2+c. The students then are able to change the values of a, b, and c by using sliders to see what effect those coefficients have on the parabola. As students start exploring the different values they could substitute in for a,b, and c, they can begin to develop an understanding for graphic transformations for quadratic equations. Below, you can access the full worksheet which includes a list of steps that students have to follow and additional problems for them to try.
Incorporating technology into the mathematics classroom provides the students with an engaging and enriching educational environment. With the use of technology, students will be able to develop their own understanding for concepts and explore beyond the boundaries of the curriculum. I think this activity is a great way for students to discover the concept of graphic transformations with quadratic equations. It gives the students an opportunity to visually see the difference between the original parabola and what effect changing the signs and coefficients in the quadratic equation do. By the students drawing the transformations on their own on the worksheet, will give them time to interpret them and see all of the possible transformations before drawing any conclusions. There are many other programs that one can use in a math classroom such as GeoGebra and Mathematics. The opportunities to incorporate technology into the math classroom are endless and should be implemented.