Technology Integration in Math

A World of Opportunities

Why Technology and Math?

Students can learn more mathematics more deeply with the appropriate and responsible use of technology. They can make and test conjectures. They can work at higher levels of generalization or abstraction.

Why Technology and Math?

“Being able to use technology tools to problem-solve will continue to be required knowledge of workers in all fields, especially math and science.”

www.edutopia.org

“Mathematics learning is both about making sense of mathematical ideas and about acquiring skills and insights to solve problems”

NCTM Standards

The Future is Now

“Beyond the world of global finance, mathematics and science will also supply the core forms of knowledge that the next generation of innovators, producers, and workers in every country will need if they are to solve the unforeseen problems and dream the dream that will define America’s future.”

Glenn Commission

Quick Write: Grab a piece of paper

What technologies are available and appropriate for use in the math classroom?

In your opinion, opinion, what is the best way to utilize technology in math instruction?

If You’re Not Part of the Solution…

What are some of the obstacles we face pertaining to the use of technology in our schools and classrooms?

What are some possible solutions in overcoming the obstacles?

Where Does the Teacher Fit?

Is the use of technology just another way to “teacher-proof” student learning?

What are the prerequisites to technology use in a unit or lesson?

The Teacher’s Role

Technology cannot replace the mathematics teacher, nor can it be used as a replacement for basic understandings and intuitions.

The teacher must make prudent decisions about when and how to use technology and should ensure that the technology is enhancing students' mathematical thinking.

True Integration

“Math and technology can be integrated in a variety of ways. The most important factor is being convinced that technology can help the student or teacher do something that couldn't be done better in other ways and with other tools.”

www.edutopia.com

Examples Abound

Read your example. Then as a table discuss:1. What evidence do you see that technology

tools are being used effectively? 2. What evidence do you see that curriculum

standards are being addressed? 3. How would you adapt what you see and read

to your own classroom and school? 4. What other topics that enhance math

integration with technology came up? Designate a spokesperson to share your ideas

with the group.

Quilt Math (1st & 2nd grade)

Starting from a 6'' by 6'' piece of fabric and culminating in an online photo journal, electronic work products, and parent-teacher-student conferences, Kristi Rennebohm Franz used technology to facilitate her students' understanding of difficult math concepts.

Winter Quilt

Helping Young Students (1st grade)

“…integration must be more than simply adding software or hardware to my teaching routine. It must focus on using technology holistically in and out of the classroom.”

GPS and Learning

“Students are more comfortable with technology than we could have imagined. Unfortunately, it has led many students to become more socially isolated as they work from their home computers. Geocaching is a fun and exciting way to get students outside and exploring the world that surrounds them while using the technology they love.”

Podcasts (upper grades)

“We never stop trying to find the holy grail of education that will ‘do it all.’ I have discovered an activity that comes close. You have probably heard of it already – it’s called ‘podcasting’.”

Math Art (upper grades)

“Because they were working on Art projects and could see the concepts and watch changes as they altered curves and percentages and worked with graphs, they were able to apply math concepts with ease. These experiments resulted in marked improvements in math scores…”

Telecollaboration

“Realizing that digital media has the potential to facilitate critical thinking and higher order learning, many of us are looking for math-related online projects and resources that will help our students express what and how they know it and will challenge their thinking skills.”

Other Examples

Ebay PDAs (Handhelds) iPods

Blogs Video games

Technology is Effective When…

It incorporates active participation for learners

It relates to prior classroom experiencesIt has ongoing development of

conceptual understanding of mathematics

Beware!

One of the biggest pitfalls of the use of internet activities, or technology in general, is the lack of correlation to the objectives on the state core.

Website Evaluation Assignment

Find and explore websites relevant to your grade level mathematics core.

Select a website that meets the following requirements:

1. Incorporates active participation

2. Relates to prior lessons

3. Helps build conceptual knowledge

Website Evaluation Assignment

Answer the questions pertaining to your website.

Be thorough in your written responses. As much as I wish otherwise, it is impossible for me to have visited every math website on the internet, and in order to receive full credit I must have an understanding of what is there and how it applies to your curriculum.