Mathematics in the Age of Technology: There is a Place for Technology in the Mathematics Classroom

In today’s world of ubiquitous computing there are a number of technologies available to K-12 educators for teaching and learning mathematics. However, Koehler and Mishra (2008) have described how teaching and learning with such technologies presents a “wicked problem,” as it can involve a number of variables, independent of each other and contextually bound, that need to be brought together. This article highlights the advantages technology offers for mathematics education and looks at some of the reasons behind the poor uptake, such as teacher beliefs and lack of training. A number of solutions are offered to address these issues, including the TPACK framework, and a case is made for using technology in the mathematics classroom

Discover Math with SketchPad Explorer

Review of Geometer\u27s SketchPad

Understanding Angle and Angle Measure: A Design-Based Research Study Using Context Aware Ubiquitous Learning

Mobile technologies are quickly becoming tools found in the educational environment. The researchers in this study use a form of mobile learning to support students in learning about angle concepts. Design-based research is used in this study to develop an empirically-substantiated local instruction theory about students\u27 develop of angle and angle measure. This local instruction theory involves real-world connections and mobile technologies through a sub category of mobile learning called context-aware ubiquitous learning. Through a process of anticipation, enactment, evaluation, and revision, the local instruction theory was developed to include a theoretical contribution of how students come to understand angle and angle measure using context-aware ubiquitous. A set of instructional activities was also developed as an embodiment of that theory. The findings from clinical interviews indicate that context-aware ubiquitous learning is a valuable mathematical context for introducing students to angle and angle measure

Using Mobile Learning to Support Students’ Understanding in Geometry: A Design-Based Research Curriculum Study

Mobile learning offers new affordances to teaching and learning, such as learning that is contextualized, personalized, and unrestricted by temporal and spatial constraints (Crompton, 2013a). In this study, the affordances of mobile learning were utilized as students learned about angles. Using a design-based research methodology a local instruction theory was developed on how students can learn about angle concepts through mobile learning activities. The local instruction theory is comprised of two components: (a) an exemplary mobile learning curriculum for 4th grade students to study angle concepts, and (b) additions to the scholarly theories in how students learning about angle using mobile learning

Using Mobile Learning to Supports Students\u27 Understanding in Geometry: A Design-Based Research Study

The use of mobile learning offers new affordances to teaching and learning. In this study, students from two fourth grade classes used iPads in dyads and groups to learn about angle. Using a design-based research methodology, which included observations, video, researcher journals, and artefact collection, a local instruction theory was developed on how students can learn about angle concepts through mobile learning activities. The local instruction theory is comprised of two components: (a) a seven lesson curriculum for 4th grade students on developing an early understanding of angle utilizing a mobile learning approach, and (b) additions to the scholarly theories, by providing a revised set of indicator behaviours for van Hiele levels of geometric thinking in regards to angle

Using Context-Aware Ubiquitous Learning to Support Students\u27 Understanding of Geometry

In this study, context-aware ubiquitous learning was used to support 4th grade students as they learn angle concepts. Context-aware ubiquitous learning was provided to students primarily through the use of iPads to access real-world connections and a Dynamic Geometry Environment. Gravemeijer and van Eerde’s (2009), design-based research (DBR) methodology was used in this study. As a systematic yet flexible methodology, DBR utilizes an iterative cyclical process of design, implementation, analysis, and revision. Using this particular DBR methodology, a local instruction theory was developed that includes a set of exemplar curriculum activities and design guidelines for the development of context-aware ubiquitous learning activities. Data collection included semi-structured clinical interviews, observations, student artefacts, video recordings and lesson reflections. This study of technology is grounded in a subject content area (mathematics) so the researchers could clearly state the advantages of using this approach in an educational context. A review of the findings indicates that context-aware ubiquitous learning proved useful in avoiding many common errors and misconceptions that students have in learning these concepts, and students demonstrated growth in their understanding of angle and angle measure beyond what is typically expected. From this study, the researchers present four design guidelines and a full set of context-aware ubiquitous activities

The LearningWeb Revolution and the Transformation of the School by Leonard J. Waks

On examination of the book’s cover, I believed the images and title would be leading me into reading surface level facts about how technology can be used to support education. I was very wrong. This book was designed to deliver a strong message to all stakeholders in education. Leonard Waks has written this book to present a new type of educational organization as an alternative to the high school system that is in place in the North America today. He clearly states that his ideas do not attempt to fix the broken model, but he strongly advocates for a completely new paradigm. Waks postulates that we are in an epoch of educational unrest..

Research Windows: ISTE Standards in the Research

[First paragraph] When ISTE began developing educational technology standards for PK-12 students in the early 1990s, it was ahead of its time. The organization saw the need to prepare students for the future, and it invested in standards as a way to give schools a clear path to staying relevant. The future that ISTE foresaw has definitely arrived, but it\u27s not standing still. To ensure that the standards remain useful for students and educators around the world, ISTE has submitted them to a rigorous updating and revision process

Preparing Teachers to Use Technology Effectively Using the Technological, Pedagogical, Content Knowledge (TPACK) Framework

Although technology is on the rise in society and schools, many teachers are not effectively incorporating technology into their teaching and learning. The lack of use can be attributed to teachers’ negative beliefs and feelings about technology. Effective teaching requires not only mastery of the subject content, pedagogical techniques, and technological affordances, but also how to achieve a successful dynamic interaction between those three factors. In this paper, the author has elucidated how these teacher beliefs and feelings are generate and the Technological, Pedagogical, Content knowledge framework (TPACK) framework is presented as a method of ameliorating these negative teacher impressions to work towards the effective use of technology in teaching and learning