Math is one of the fundamental subjects taught in elementary school and is a necessity for overall academic survival. Young learners’ future understanding of mathematics requires an early foundation based on a high quality, challenging, and accessible mathematics education (NCTM, 2013). An engaging and encouraging learning environment helps children develop confidence in their ability to understand and use mathematics. However, math proves to be a difficult subject for many students. In a world filled with technology, it has become increasingly important to incorporate technology based-teaching in the classroom. As new technologies enter the classroom the question is raised as to how these technologies can be used to build math skills. When teachers use these technologies strategically they can provide greater access to mathematics for all students. This paper will examine the use of SMART Boards to facilitate math learning and build math skills. Literature Review In contrast with other technologies seen in the classroom, SMART Boards were designed for whole-class instruction and active engagement. The interactive nature of the technology and state-of-the art software enable teachers to generate activities for students that are engaging, meaningful, and enlightening (Riska, 2010). The SMART Board captures students’ attention in a unique way and engages them in interactive learning. Students and teachers are able to write directly on the screen using special pens and/or his/her finger and can manipulate text and images, view videos, formulate graphs and charts, and design vivid and creative presentations. Interactive board technology such as the SMART Board helps students with different learning styles learn more effectively (Savo... ... middle of paper ... ...trieved from http://practicalinteractivity.edublogs.org/files/2008/04/using_iwbs_to_enhance_maths_teaching.pdf Ladislaw, J. (2008). The use of SMART boards for smarter teaching and smarter learning. Retrieved from http://eduaction.pages.tcnj.edu/files/2012/11/Use-of-Smart-Boards.pdf National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2013, October). What is important in early childhood mathematics?. Retrieved from http://www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=12590 Riska, P. A. (2010). The impact of smart board technology on growth in mathematics achievement of gifted learners. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1424&context=doctoral Savoie, M. (2008). Math motivation with smart board technology. Retrieved from http://downloads01.smarttech.com/media/sitecore/en/pdf/research_library/math/math_motivation_with_smart_board_technology.pdf
Van de Walle, J., , F., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J. M. (2010). Elementary and middle school mathematics, teaching developmentally. (Seventh ed.). New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon.
van Oostveen, R. (2014). Syllabus for EDUC 5101G Learning With Technology. Retrieved from Blackboard EDUC5101G Course Web Site: https://uoit.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-464061-dt-content-rid-2012785_1/courses/20140172557.201401/EDUC5101_course_outline2014_v2.pdf
Maths is a tool needed for everyday life and it is a way of helping children to understand the concepts of the world around them. Using the programmes of study from the National curriculum and the EYFS curriculum for numeracy, Washingwell Community Primary school aim:-
”Books will soon be obsolete in the schools...Scholars will soon be instructed through the eye. It is possible to touch every branch of human knowledge with the motion picture” (Thomas Edison). An idea that was destined for failure has now been made into the key source to get students and teachers more interacted while in a classroom setting. Tablets such as the iPad and the Microsoft surface have made this idea possible, showing students that there is another alternative to the traditional method which would be a printed version of the textbook. Tablets are portable computers that use a touchscreen as its primary input device, meaning that both keyboard and mouse are both physically located on the screen. Early Tablets were built to be used with a pen, today however tablets can be used with just one finger or multiple fingers with the support of multi touch input. Tablet have had a positive input on society especially students in school that are looking to get their work done in an engaging way and, not by moving a pen or pencil like it’s been done for decades. Tablets have proven to be the better tool for learning among students.
Mathematical dialogue within the classroom has been argued to be effective and a ‘necessary’ tool for children’s development in terms of errors and misconceptions. It has been mentioned how dialogue can broaden the children’s perception of the topic, provides useful opportunities to develop meaningful understandings and proves a good assessment tool. The NNS (1999) states that better numeracy standards occur when children are expected to use correct mathematical vocabulary and explain mathematical ideas. In addition to this, teachers are expected
Ward (2005) explores writing and reading as the major literary mediums for learning mathematics, in order for students to be well equipped for things they may see in the real world. The most recent trends in education have teachers and curriculum writers stressed about finding new ways to tie in current events and real-world situations to the subjects being taught in the classroom. Wohlhuter & Quintero (2003) discuss how simply “listening” to mathematics in the classroom has no effect on success in student academics. It’s important to implement mathematical literacy at a very young age. A case study in the article by authors Wohlhuter & Quintero explores a program where mathematics and literacy were implemented together for children all the way through eight years of age. Preservice teachers entered a one week program where lessons were taught to them as if they were teaching the age group it was directed towards. When asked for a definition of mathematics, preservice teachers gave answers such as: something related to numbers, calculations, and estimations. However, no one emphasized how math is in fact extremely dependable on problem-solving, explanations, and logic. All these things have literacy already incorporated into them. According to Wohlhuter and Quintero (2003), the major takeaways from this program, when tested, were that “sorting blocks, dividing a candy bar equally, drawing pictures, or reading cereal boxes, young children are experienced mathematicians, readers, and writers when they enter kindergarten.” These skills are in fact what they need to succeed in the real-world. These strategies have shown to lead to higher success rates for students even after they graduate
Although some teachers still use regular boards,most teachers use smart boards to teach. These boards are like ordinary boards except these are controlled by a remote control pen. By just clicking on the board questions can be written in a variety of ways and in any color you want. The final piece of tech that is mainly used in the classroom is a variety of websites that provide tests,quizzes,and assignments that students can access with a certain username and password. Research has found that all types of technology are changing the way teachers teach forever (usnews.com).
Skemp, R (2002). Mathematics in the Primary School. 2nd ed. London: Taylor and Francis .
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As a secondary subject, society often views mathematics a critical subject for students to learn in order to be successful. Often times, mathematics serves as a gatekeeper for higher learning and certain specific careers. Since the times of Plato, “mathematics was virtually the first thing everyone has to learn…common to all arts, science, and forms of thought” (Stinson, 2004). Plato argued that all students should learn arithmetic; the advanced mathematics was reserved for those that would serve as the “philosopher guardians” of the city (Stinson, 2004). By the 1900s in the United States, mathematics found itself as a cornerstone of curriculum for students. National reports throughout the 20th Century solidified the importance of mathematics in the success of our nation and its students (Stinson, 2004). As a mathematics teacher, my role to educate all students in mathematics is an important one. My personal philosophy of mathematics education – including the optimal learning environment and best practices teaching strategies – motivates my teaching strategies in my personal classroom.
Wenglinsky, H. (1998). Does it compute? The relationship between educational technology and student achievement in mathematics. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service. Retrieved March 6, 2002, from ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/res/technolog.pdf.
Active involvement in class discussions and incorporating technology are techniques that could be used when trying to engage student’s interests. Interactive based learning provides an opportunity to become actively involved in the discussion instead of just listening to an instructor throw huge amounts of information their way. Using technology is a way for students to become active in their learning. Tools such as interactive white boards enable children to engage in classroom games, view websites, and review problems step by step. As technology is advancing students rely on teachers integrating technology into their lessons more frequently. In traditional lectures the teacher gives a large quantity of material, but if the student is not paying attention, does learning occur? By incorporating learner response devices where students can electronic...
Throughout out this semester, I’ve had the opportunity to gain a better understanding when it comes to teaching Mathematics in the classroom. During the course of this semester, EDEL 440 has showed my classmates and myself the appropriate ways mathematics can be taught in an elementary classroom and how the students in the classroom may retrieve the information. During my years of school, mathematics has been my favorite subject. Over the years, math has challenged me on so many different levels. Having the opportunity to see the appropriate ways math should be taught in an Elementary classroom has giving me a
Technology properly used in the classroom has many advantages to a student’s learning. Technology can help students become more involved in their own learning process, which is not seen in the traditional classroom. It allows them to master basic skills at their own rate rather than being left behind. Teachers and students alike can connect to real life situations by using technology in the classroom; this can also help to prepare students for real world situations. Technology can be used to motivate students as well as to offer more challenging opportunities. It can also be used as a visualization tool to keep students interested in the subject that is being taught. When technology is used effectively, students have the opportunity to develop skills that they may not get without the use of technology (Cleaver, 2011). Assessing and monitoring students is easier on the teacher because of the ability to use technology in the classroom. When technology is used correctly it offers limitless resources to a classroom atmosphere.