Note: This post is in response to Week 5 Module 5 Blog 1
As a teaching area, mathematics is one that lends itself
strongly to the use of technology in the classroom. Mathematics is at the basis
of digital technology and its development, and technology gives students
opportunities to build their mathematical understanding beyond theoretical
concepts and into everyday life (Roblyer & Doering, 2014, p. 334).
As a teaching area, mathematics is one that lends itself
strongly to the use of technology in the classroom. Mathematics is at the basis
of digital technology and its development, and technology gives students
opportunities to build their mathematical understanding beyond theoretical
concepts and into everyday life (Roblyer & Doering, 2014, p. 334).
Given the mathematical basis for technology then, it is unsurprising
that an endless number of technological tools exist to enhance or alter mathematics
education. These range from apps which teach young children counting and basic
addition and subtraction (e.g. Endless Numbers or Springbird Maths), times
table apps and videos (Steve Storm and the Tables of Doom, Maths Rockx) right through to sites such as Wolfram Alpha and higher end products such as Maple which are used by university students
and in industry.
A couple of favourites, which are useful both for teaching
and for my own studies of Mathematics are the free web based products from
Geogebra and Desmos. I like the ease of plotting a function with Geogebra and
the quick updates as you alter values. There are also many free resources
created by fellow users. Desmos offers similar functionality and also has an
application called Polygraph which is a great teaching tool for stimulating
classroom conversation and encouraging students in their ability to communicate
with mathematical terminology.
Do you have a favourite tool for teaching mathematics? I'm looking forward to hearing some new ideas.
References
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2014). Integrating educational technology into teaching (Sixth
international ed.). Harlow, Essex: Pearson.
Hi Michelle, it's wonderful to see you've found some great web products for your subject area? what do you think they will do in a means of hooking students onto maths as a subject?
ReplyDeleteI think technology can be used quite effectively in mathematics to both engage students and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. By being able to do things like physically manipulate diagrams and see symbolic representations (equations) change and vice versa, the maths becomes real. Takači, Stankov, & Milanovic (2015) have done some research around the use of Geogebra which was interesting.
DeleteTakači, D., Stankov, G., & Milanovic, I. (2015). Efficiency of learning environment using GeoGebra when calculus contents are learned in collaborative groups. Computers & Education, 82, 421-431. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2014.12.002
Michelle
ReplyDeleteYou have suggested some interesting mathematics Apps/Websites for inclusion into mathematics lessons. It is interesting to note that they seem to progress from game based in the earlier years to sites that help understand and apply mathematical concepts. At work (Student Learning Support Officer) the teachers’ like to use Skoolbo app. Another favourite mathematics app/website my children often go to is maths online , this site provides excellent tutorials and follows the Australian Curriculum so my children use this to understand any missed concepts. It is important to understand that studies are showing that the application of mathematics apps in classrooms is improving mathematics concept understanding. Students are becoming more engaged and interested in doing mathematics (Calder & Campbell, 2016; Riconscente, 2013).
References
Calder, N., & Campbell, A. (2016). Using Mathematical Apps with Reluctant Learners. Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education, 2(1), 50-69.
Riconscente, M. (2013). Results From a Controlled Study of the iPad Fractions Game Motion Math. Games and Culture, 8(4), 186-214.
Hi Kellie,
DeleteThanks for your response. I haven't heard of Skoolbo before. My kids use "Mathletics" at their school but sometimes find it a little boring. Some interesting articles you've referenced too, thanks!
I personally find that there is plenty of really good mathematical technologies out there, but I also find that they are good in the fact that it can be hard to differentiate them from one another and can be difficult to explain the differences between some of them in relation to the syllabus. What do you think about this? Obviously different year groups you will be able to differentiate, but more in regards to the same year groups.
ReplyDeleteI think that many maths applications don't do differentiation well. An example from my own life is that my son uses a couple of different apps for school which attempt to break the maths down into steps (he is in Year 1). This works well for some students but he often is working way beyond those basic steps and can't understand how to break it up the particular way they want. Other students might find the steps beyond them. Either way it doesn't work well.
DeleteIt would be interesting to see a bit more "smart" behaviour built into some apps - something that recognises abilities based on answers entered and changes the challenge up to meet. Wishful thinking perhaps but I don't think it is out of the realms of possibility!
Hi Michelle
ReplyDeleteYou can go though the following book to get information about the technologies in mathematics curriculum, benefits and challenges to incorporate these technologies in the school environment.
Goos, M., Stillman, G., & Vale, C. (2017).Teaching secondary school mathematics: Research and practice for the 21st century. Allen & Unwin.
Thanks
Tasnim Ferdous
Thanks Tasnim, I have that book and have been delving back into it. I like that it has an Australian focus which is useful.
DeleteMy guess is those who love mathematics will love these on-line tools because it gives them the chance to practice and gain repeated experience. After all we know all mathematicians love solving problems. The challenge is to encourage those who do not initially warm to mathematics to gain an interest in it. I guess that is where we as teachers can share our passion for it and break down some of its mystique, which may act as a barrier for some students.
ReplyDeleteAs for me I usually end up with a book, pad of paper and pen and do it all the old fashioned way.
I think some of the game based activities can work well to encourage students to engage - when designed well they drip feed rewards in a random fashion, encouraging students to work to achieve the next level/reward.
Delete