Since the early 2000s, we have witnessed a gradual yet steady digital evolution of the world as we know it. The digital age is reinventing almost everything, and the educational sector isn’t left out. Today, technology has been incorporated into classrooms to bolster interact math and keep students engaged. So far, integrating technology in math offers numerous perks alongside a few downsides.
However, a more critical question looms: how can educators achieve effective interactive math using these technology tools? More importantly, what are the parameters for measuring success?
Challenges Associated with Technology-oriented Math Classes
Integrating technology into math classrooms can be tricky, even for the most experienced educators. More often than not, teachers end up using the wrong tools or strategies.
One common problem associated with technology in math classes is the use of timed fact-testing apps. There are tons of educational apps designed for math interactive lessons. However, many of these apps tend to focus on speed and judge students based on their ability to answer questions in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, this often triggers math anxiety and consequently leads to low performance.
Similarly, many students end up using tech tools for passive rather than active learning. You’ll sometimes find students going through the motions rather than actually learning and practicing math concepts.
Thus, although technology in math is immensely beneficial, you’ll need to apply specific strategies to achieve effective and interactive learning.
Strategies For Using Technology to Foster Interactive Math Learning
Educators need to go above and beyond to get the most out of tech tools. Here are a few strategies worth considering:
Fish out unhealthy tools
With math anxiety affecting up to 50% of the US population, educators need to curb this phenomenon in students and ensure that they do not trigger it any further. As we mentioned earlier, many unhealthy math apps and websites place undue pressure on kids and trigger a fear of math in them. Thus, when choosing math websites for kids, focus on healthy ones that promote seamless, fun learning. Fortunately, there are a few apps that focus on game-based education rather than time-based challenges. This will help to put students at ease, and subsequently, they’ll be able to focus on the learning process.
Focus on content-specific tools
Content-specific tools are often very effective in achieving interactive learning. Put simply, a content-specific tool is any form of technology that focuses on math learning through the use of virtual manipulatives. These tools help kids perceive math concepts faster and are often highly efficient when it comes to knowledge retention.
Thus, although content-neutral technology such as whiteboards and video conferencing apps are integral to learning, the focus should be on selecting useful content-specific tools. For instance, educators may try out fun math games and learning apps. For homeschooling parents, learning platforms such as Brighterly are excellent options worth considering.
Adapt to meet students’ specific learning needs
Technology in math classes is excellent, no doubt. However, learning is dynamic. This means that the learning process differs for each student. While Student A might learn better with a visual technology tool, Student B might take longer to understand the lesson because they’re an auditory learner. Thus, as a parent or educator, it’s essential to first consider your students’ individual learning needs before incorporating technology into the classroom.
Technology is quite flexible and can be adapted to meet students’ learning needs. For instance, virtual whiteboards are an excellent tool for visual learners. You can also cater to auditory learners by recording lessons for them to listen to repeatedly.
Final Thoughts
Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed the steady rise of technology in the classroom. Consequently, the market is flooded with tools, apps, and websites for fostering education. However, to achieve interactive, fun math learning, educators must sift through the rubble to choose content-specific tools that best align with the learning goals they’ve set for their class. Most importantly, technology tools and resources should be revised and adapted to suit students’ individual learning needs.
This way, educators can get the most out of tech tools, and students can enjoy a wholesome, efficient math lesson. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!
