Engaging Students in Math with Technology

Reference:

http://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/786/215

Review/Summary:

This article entitled, "A Brief Overview on Using Technology to Engage Students in Mathematics" written by Joan M. Raines and Linda M. Clark of Middle Tennessee State University in 2011 reflects how technology has proven effective in the subject of mathematics.  The types of technology specifically mentioned described such things as graphing calculators as well as software for presentations, instruction, and practice. 

Graphing calculators allow students to incorporate more problem solving skills.  In addition to this, these calculators can accommodate the use of real-world data which provide for mathematical problems of greater interest thus proving to students the need for learning the subject of math.  Presentation software such as PowerPoint has improved learning since it allows for varied teaching methods and student learning styles.  Courseware that is web-based can provide a way for students to employ tutorials and reinforcement of concepts that provide instruction, feedback, review, and answers to practice problems.  Several benefits come from using this type of courseware that include student motivation and participation in active learning.

In conclusion, these authors remind us that it is important for teachers to have a plan when incorporating these technologies in mathematics to determine if they will allow for student improvement or not.  In addition to this teachers need to stay up-to-date on what technologies are available to help with this subject.  Using technology in math will encourage full participation as well as promote mathematical thinking and reasoning.

Reflection:

During my years of teaching mathematics to Resource Special Education students, I definitely noted the benefit of incorporating technology in the classroom.  The calculators that we used at that time were rather basic, but they still allowed students to solve problems taken from real-world situations that made the subject more meaningful to them.  Presentations through PowerPoint captured the students interest much more than activities taken strictly from the book or teacher lecture.  Web-based courseware emphasized practice of skills that students needed to prepare them for state testing and the learning of basic mathematical concepts.