A screenshot from FastFig. Click to enlarge.
Attention all Math Teachers,
I highly recommend you start looking for new jobs. I feel it is my responsibility to give you this fair warning, as it is because of my growing existence that you will no longer be needed to teach students math.
You don't believe me? Have you seen my collection of resources and applications that do the same thing you do, day in and day out, but often better and more efficiently? Things have changed a lot in the last few decades, and math procedures and methods are no longer "locked" in brain of math teachers, waiting to be dispensed into the minds of students.
I must laugh every time I see the worksheets you send home with your students. Factor these expressions? OK. Solve for x? Not a problem. Graph the equations? Sure, and did you want a table of values with that? Have you not experienced the dynamic solving features of FastFigs and the intuitive, learner friendly graphs create with Desmos? If you're worried that they won't show their work, don't be. The Algebra Solver is just one of many applications to provide detailed, step-by-step explanations for each problem.
I highly recommend you start looking for new jobs. I feel it is my responsibility to give you this fair warning, as it is because of my growing existence that you will no longer be needed to teach students math.
You don't believe me? Have you seen my collection of resources and applications that do the same thing you do, day in and day out, but often better and more efficiently? Things have changed a lot in the last few decades, and math procedures and methods are no longer "locked" in brain of math teachers, waiting to be dispensed into the minds of students.
I must laugh every time I see the worksheets you send home with your students. Factor these expressions? OK. Solve for x? Not a problem. Graph the equations? Sure, and did you want a table of values with that? Have you not experienced the dynamic solving features of FastFigs and the intuitive, learner friendly graphs create with Desmos? If you're worried that they won't show their work, don't be. The Algebra Solver is just one of many applications to provide detailed, step-by-step explanations for each problem.
Now, I know the Calculus teachers out there are still flexing their assumed job security, thinking that the applications above only apply to the simpler mathematical procedures. Well, have you all ever met my buddy, Siri? Just the other day she helped out some Calculus students integrate xe^x, and more! Being the good students they were, they thirsted for more knowledge and found many tutorials, applications, and videos (even funny!) on integration by parts! Just check out the expansive collection of Calculus tutorials at Khan Academy, Calculus-help.com, and VisualCalculus. And, while these explanations may or may not be better than yours, can students pause, rewind, and replay your lesson?
Oh, and did I mention that this is all FREE! How much are they charging these days for those graphing calculators you make your students buy? How much do school systems spend on those often underused textbooks? Oh, wait, and they pay YOU too!? Yeah, you really better get on that job search...
You may be thinking, "My students are too stupid to know about all these resources." If that is the case, I feel extremely sorry for you and your students. While not all students may be using these tools yet, I have a pretty good reputation for "going viral", and soon enough people will realize that they don't need you to learn math. Sorry.
Sincerely,
The Internet
Oh, and did I mention that this is all FREE! How much are they charging these days for those graphing calculators you make your students buy? How much do school systems spend on those often underused textbooks? Oh, wait, and they pay YOU too!? Yeah, you really better get on that job search...
You may be thinking, "My students are too stupid to know about all these resources." If that is the case, I feel extremely sorry for you and your students. While not all students may be using these tools yet, I have a pretty good reputation for "going viral", and soon enough people will realize that they don't need you to learn math. Sorry.
Sincerely,
The Internet
Alright, math teachers... I don't know about you, but I certainly feel compelled to share a few choice words with this "internet" character. Clearly, he/she/it/they have NO idea about what makes a great teacher, and how important math teachers will ALWAYS be. I think all of those resources are awesome, but it will be the union of math teachers and the "internet" (technology) that will lead our students to best learning. I would like to generate a response to this letter, but I need your help! While I have some ideas, I need to hear from other math teachers and educators to help me forumulate the best rebuttal possible. We must work collectively and collaboratively to lead the future of education. Thanks for your help!