Case Study: Ransom Everglades

Challenges and Goals cont...

Their first priority was to find a multi-dimensional tool for enhancing presentations in mathematics classes.

“We have always believed that technology should be an integral part of the study of mathematics,” said Duty. “As a result, we use a myriad of indispensable yet separate equipment and programs to support our teaching efforts.”

Today, teachers at Ransom Everglades regularly use the Texas Instruments graphing calculators in many of their courses and each student is required to own one. Additionally, the Geometer’s Sketchpad program is used to dynamically discover geometric relationships. The statistics courses use the Mini-tab program to analyze and graph statistical data. Finally, the calculus courses use Excel to discover and graph differential and integral relationships.

“The goal of the Mathematics Department of Ransom Everglades is to equip each student with the skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics to succeed in all fields of study at the college level and beyond,” said Duty.

To accomplish the teaching of fundamental math concepts as well as the critical thinking skills necessary to use that knowledge wisely, teachers at Ransom Everglades incorporate a variety of methodologies into their daily instruction: class discussions, discovery and cooperative learning, technology and hand-on application projects.

And while it is important to note that each of the hardware and software tools currently being used at Ransom Everglades has been designed with a specific function in mind, Duty and others in the math department were looking for a new technology that would create a more interactive learning environment.