Implementing ICT In Mathematics to enhance student learning

A Presentation by Sharron Smith Year 5 Teacher Eden Park Primary

The 21 st Century and ICT

“The teacher is pivotal in the design and creation of exciting, challenging and authentic learning environments in which ICT changes not only what the students learn but also how they learn…” (Finger, Russell, Jamieson-Proctor & Russell, 2007).

Overview of Presentation Evaluating current practice and research using; An Online Article A Website An Online Video A Podcast Current trends and possible issues Implications for Teaching Conclusions & Suggestions

search.informit.com.au.prospero.murdoch.edu.au/fullText;dn= ;res=IELHSS Article “Using Interactive Whiteboards to Enhance Mathematics Teaching”

Key Points Richardson Primary School’s use of ICT enhances the teaching & learning process. The school has adopted a form of e- teaching. E-teaching facilitates; Higher order thinking Substantive conversations Teaching in a real life context Activation of prior learning Integration between learning areas

Strengths Practical examples of lessons. Written by a practicing, experienced teacher. Picture use supports information given. Relevant to today’s teaching.

Weaknesses Published in 2006 Discusses only one school. Doesn’t look at limitations or issues associated with this technology.

Website Kent ICT “Welcome to the Kent ICT website. We aim to support both teachers and pupils in the use of ICT across the curriculum by providing pages of resources, lesson ideas and links to 'safe' websites on the internet.”

Key Points Resources utilising ICT are available for a variety of curriculum areas. Suggestions of lesson ideas. Links to safe websites. Literacy and Numeracy games. Interactive Whiteboard resources.

Strengths Lots of resources available together. Practical suggestions for ICT in the Early Years. Dedicated section for e-safety. Encourages cross-curricula activities.

Weaknesses Created in the United Kingdom. Website is very content heavy. Published in 2008 – updated regularly?

Video Using Xbox Kinect and Nintendo DS for mental maths

Key Points The students were involved in game based learning. The school used an ICT club to test out new ideas. Xbox Kinect & Nintendo DS consoles were used for Maths practice.

Strengths Interactive. Movement based. Engaging. Instant feedback. Limitations & implementation issues were discussed.

Weaknesses Cost & Availability of equipment. Designed to use individually or in small groups but not as a whole class.

Podcast Lessons in Life – Mental MathsPresented by Jason Goudie

Key Points Designed to be used as a supplement to class activities. Demonstration of a range of Mathematical strategies. Covers a wide range of Maths areas. Created to be accessed from home.

Strengths Shows a simple way of using ICT to teach Mathematics. Good way to get additional teaching time. The video of the presenter makes it feel personalised. The audio quiz given after the video tutorial allows for practice time.

Weaknesses Time consuming to make. Some of the explanations are confusing. Students cant ask questions or get immediate feedback. Sometimes a little difficult to hear the presenter.

Current Trends Computers & web-based learning are common-place. Interactive Whiteboards are on the increase. Other digital technologies are filtering into schools. Teaching & Learning with ICT is increasing.

Possible Issues Ongoing ICT Support. ICT Infrastructure & the Digital Divide. Training & Professional Development. Resistance & Reluctance to change. Finger, Russell, Jamison-Proctor & Russell, 2007.

Implications for Teaching What does this mean to teachers? Be open to change. Take risks, be prepared to fail. Participate in PD about ICT. How will teaching & learning Maths change? Interactive activities & web-based learning. Engaged students & deeper understanding.

Conclusions & Suggestions Start using more ICT tomorrow. Try at least one new idea each week. Collaborate with other teachers. Integrate web-based learning into your Mathematics teaching. Encourage the use of ICT around the school.

Ready or not… The World is Different Kids are different… Learning is different… And Teaching Must Be Different, too (Finger, Russell, Jamison-Proctor & Russell, p 34)

List of References Finger, G., Russell, G., Jamieson-Proctor, R., & Russell, N. (2007). Transforming Learning with ICT: Making it Happen. Malaysia: Pearson Education. Google Images. (2011). Using ICT to teach Maths. Goudie, J. (Presenter). (2010). Lessons in Life – Mental Maths. (Podcast). ITunes. Retrieved from Kent County Council, (2008). Kent ICT. Retrieved from Kent, P. (2006). Using Interactive Whiteboards to Enhance Mathematics Teaching [online]. Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, Vol. 11, (No. 2), 2006: Retrieved from ISSN: [cited 13 Sep 11]. Shelly, G., Gunter, G., & Gunter, R. (2010). Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom. (6 th Ed.) Boston, USA: Cengage Learning. Wilcox, R. (Presenter). (2011). Using Kinect on Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS consoles for Mental Maths and Literacy. (Video Recording). Retrieved from