Web-Tool Review: WolframAlpha

Web-tool Review: WolframAlpha
Reference: http://www.wolframalpha.com/

Review/Summary:  This amazing website is a computation engine.  From determining the day you were born to telling the number of calories in 10 jellybeans, it allows you to enter data and get an answer.  What makes this more useful than a cursory search is the fact that it allows you to make variables and modify an answer to your needs.  This is great for use in any classroom as it allows for research, application, and interpretation of the task at hand.

Reflection:  This is a wonderful tool for all teachers but especially math teachers.  This can be used to model so many problems.  From equations to geometric figures, I am able to show my students a visual or verbal representation and solution to the problem that we are working.  The down side to this site is it is universally accessible, including cell phones.  I have caught several students cheating by using this tool.  As such, I would recommend using it as a teaching tool and talk with the students about the importance of owning their knowledge.