Summary of Technology Integration Strategies for Mathematics
Technology resources have made possible a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help address the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. These include using virtual manipulatives, fostering mathematical problem solving, allowing representation of mathematical principles, implementing data-driven curricula, supporting math-related communications, and motivating skill building and practice. The table below summarizes these strategies and gives examples of some of the technology resources that make them possible.
| Technology Integration Strategies | Benefits | Sample Resources and Activities |
| Using virtual manipulatives |
Supports hands-on activities for learning mathematics. Offers flexible environments for exploring complex concepts. Provides a concrete representation of abstract concepts. |
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for Interactive Mathematics at Utah State University National Library of Virtual Manipulatives at the Shodor Foundation website Manipula Math with Java Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education at UIUC |
| Fostering mathematical problem solving |
Helps students gather data to use in problem solving. Provides rich, motivating problem-solving environments. Gives students opportunities to apply mathematical knowledge and skills in meaningful contexts. |
CBLs Software (e.g., The Learning Company's Zoombinis: Thinkin' Things) Programming languages Texas Instruments Educational Technology Download Center |
| Allowing representation of mathematical principles |
Makes abstract mathematical concepts more visual and easier to understand. Gives students environments in which to make discoveries and conjectures related to geometry concepts and objects. |
Graphing calculators Software (e.g., Geometer's Sketchpad, KaleidoMania) Spreadsheets Key Curriculum Press Software http://www.keypress.com/x6475.xml |
| Implementing data-driven curriculum |
Provides easy access to many data sets. Provides real statistics to support investigations that are timely and relevant. Supports development of student knowledge and skill related to data analysis. Allows for exploration and presentation of data in a graphical form. |
Software (e.g., Fathom, Tabletop, Tabletop Jr.) U.S. Census http://www.census.gov/ Spreadsheets Statistical software (e.g. StatCrunch, |
| Supporting math-related communications |
Allows easy contacts with experts. Promotes social interaction and discourse about mathematics. Allows teachers to reach other teachers for the exchange of ideas. |
Math Forum—Ask Dr. Math Math Forum—Problems of the Week Math Forum—Public Discussions ON-Math, the Online Journal of School Mathematics |
| Motivating skill building and practice |
Provides motivating practice in foundation skills needed for higher order learning. Provides guided instruction within a structured learning environment. Delivers instruction when teacher may not be available. |
PLATO Learning Waterford Early Science and Math |
Excerpted From:
© 2010, Allyn & Bacon, an imprint of Pearson Education Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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