Journal 2

Speaking Math: Using Chat in the Multicultural Math Classroom.
Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson.

This article is about the use of using online discussions to promote encouragement in math among a multi-cultural student population in a suburb of Washington, D.C. As a means to not only supplement the learning going on in the classroom, the teachers have been able to determine extra needs in classroom discussion. Because the online discussions focus on math vocabulary, students help each other to develop a better understanding of math concepts. Students are able to identify with each other’s ethnicity and find ways to understand and communicate about math that makes sense to them. What the teachers have found is that students using electronic discussion are showing significant improvements in their understanding of math concepts as compared to students in a traditional classroom setting.

1. How could chat be used in other classroom settings?
Chat could be used in every classroom setting. If math concepts can be discussed, then anything is possible from literature, history to even grammar. Giving a student a prompt and then allowing a discussion is a wonderful way for students to learn from each other.

2. What are the downfalls or difficulties of using chat?
One difficulty is getting access to computers for those students who do not have access to a home computer. Allowing time in a computer lab, library or time in classroom if computers are available would have to be arranged. In addition, the chat would be monitored, not just for content, but to make sure the chat is not being abused.