Upgrading A level teaching with Desmos

Overview

The DfE made clear that "the use of technology should permeate the study of A Level mathematics" from the introduction of the current maths A level in 2017. Since then the pandemic has ensured that technology has had a significant role to play in teaching across the board.

Desmos is an intuitive, yet powerful suite of free, online mathematics tools and Natalie Vernon is one of the AMSP's national experts on its application to the teaching of A level maths. If you have never used Desmos, Natalie will introduce you to some of its capabilities and the ease with which these can be utilised in a classroom (either face-to-face or remote). If you are already a Desmos user, the session will demonstrate how features of Desmos can enhance your teaching and students' learning in A level maths (and other similar qualifications such as IB and Cambridge Pre-U). 

Aims

• To introduce teachers to some useful features of Desmos
• To consider ways in which teaching and learning can be enhanced by incorporating Desmos into A level lessons
• To develop teachers' skills when using the Desmos graphing calculator

Who will benefit from attending?

Teachers currently teaching, or planning to teach A level maths or a similar qualification (such as IB or Pre-U).  Teachers of higher tier GCSE may also find the session useful, but the emphasis will be on the application of Desmos to A level topics.

Both experienced and inexperienced teachers are welcome to attend. 

Content

• A basic introduction to the Desmos suite of online tools, with an emphasis on the graphing calculator
• Examples of simple techniques which can be used to enhance A level maths teaching
• Discussion of the benefits of using Desmos over alternative, often static, modes of presentation
• An opportunity to ask questions and share ideas with other teachers and our national AMSP expert, Natalie Vernon

Materials and Equipment

This meeting will be held on Zoom. An invitation will be sent to you within 24 hours of event start. Please do not share this link with anyone else.

Delegates will be expected to join this session via an internet-connected computer or tablet. You are advised to use a headset or headphones with an inline microphone to provide the best sound quality and to prevent audio issues for other users. A laptop with a built-in webcam and microphone may be sufficient if you’re in a quiet area but please take the time to check this before the session.

Discussion will be both via audio and the chat box. Please join with a microphone if possible. Joining with your camera on would be most welcome but, of course, not compulsory.

As part of our safeguarding procedures please note the following: (i) It is important that you log in with the names you used when you registered for the course otherwise you may not be allowed into the room. (ii) You must not pass on any of the registration or Zoom meeting details to anyone else.