Google Docs 1

For mathematics Google Docs is a great improvement from Word as they made a few simple changes that Word never did.  To edit and insert equations into a Word document previous to 2007 was a tedious task and often school computers did not have the equation 3.0 loaded on it.  In Google Docs once you insert an equation the tools stay visible on the toolbar allowing for easy editing and additions.  There is a peculiarity when typing equations of the cursor staying next to the equal sign in and then the text is inserted at the end of the line of text.  It's just odd that the cursor does not follow the text at the end of the line and did create a learning curve for myself.  Having never used Google Docs before I found it very easy to use as it resembled Word.  I was unable to find any formatting for columns.  If you know how to split a page into two columns on Google Docs please let me know.

Assignment 1: Trigonometric Match Maker Assignment

For the first Google Docs assignment students will use the document and equation writing features to prove trigonometric expressions are equivalent.  Each student in the class will be given a different trigonometric expression assigned in Google Docs.  There will be pairs of expressions which look different but are mathematically equivalent randomly placed in the document.  Students will each simplify their expression on the common document and then find who has the expression equivalent to theirs.  If they find a mistake in another students work they should comment on it, provide a suggestion, (not solve or fix it) and leave their name so the student can fix the mistake.  It is mandatory they use the equation toolbar to edit and simplify the expressions NOT the characters from the keyboard.

Assignment 2: Solving Systems of Two and Three Variables



I believe assignments using Google Docs should make students rely on each other, creating one holistic learning environment.  Students need to not just work independently of each other, they should view the classroom as a learning community where it is each student's job to ensure fellow classmates participate and contribute to the learning process and environment.  The second assignment for Google Docs will be a long term chapter project on systems of equations, incorporating the jigsaw method and small learning communities.  Students will be divided into groups according to ability level, each group will be assigned a different method of solving systems to master.  In each group there will be specific tasks with a person in charge, again assigned according to skill ability, i.e. Analyzer, Solver, Reporter, Slide Master etc.  The reporters job will be to use Google Docs to report on how they are solving the equations, and make notes outlining the procedure.  As groups add to the online document it will be up to them to organize the information into the correct order for a full scale presentation of all groups.  Once organized each group will begin creating slides for their section of the presentation, and then compile them into one sideshow of all methods.  The final capstone to the project will be each group presenting/teaching their lesson and method to the class.