Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Thing 6 (Explore Web 2.0 Awards List)

http://www.wikihow.com/Category:Mathematics

I have spent 25 years in manufacturing management and manufacturing engineering.  I like to know how things work.  I found that wikihow.com is a great tool for someone who wants to know how to do something.  In the math category, I found that, in http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-a-Square-Root-by-Hand, not only did wikihow show me how to do this operation, but then explained why it works, demonstrating the method graphically.  I like this because sometimes I feel that the education of mathematics has become more about how to use a calculator or take a test, and not enough about understanding how the math works.  For some, there is no need to go beyond how the use a calculator.  However, for others, such as engineers, it would be nice for them to know why the calculations they just performed prove that the bridge they just designed will not fall.

I see this as a great supplement to a lesson, during class or as a means to encourage further exploration of a concept as homework.

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