Technology in Mathematics

The National Council of Teacher of Mathematics supports teachers to ensure quality mathematics education for all students.  The NCTM is encouraging teachers of mathematics to take a constructivist approach to instruction.  Math concepts are to be presented to student partners or groups in real world contexts rather than in isolated "naked numbers".

Mathematics in Context: Word Problems                                  

The NCTM web site at http://www.nctm.org/publications/calendar/index.aspx?journal_id=4 provides members with a variety of resources including hundreds of word problems to support constructivist learning.

Illuminations: Virtual Manipulatives

Helping teachers to change their teaching styles is not an easy task. The NCTM's position is that technology is an essential tool for learning mathematics in the 21st century and all schools must ensure that all their students have access to technology.   Technology can also serve to move teachers toward a more student centered, active and relevant instructional style.  To support this effort, NCTM offers Illuminations. This web site at http://illuminations.nctm.org/ is available free of charge and offers a variety of virtual manipulatives along with over 600 lesson plans to guide teachers unfamiliar with implementing them in a constructivist format.  These interactive tools are grouped pre-K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8,  and 9 -12.

 Adaptations for Student and Curricular Needs

While Illumination tools for third through fifth graders may ask them to calculate the amount of change they might receive after a purchase, tools for ninth through twelfth graders ask them to calculate compound interest on a credit card. 

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2008). The Role of Technology in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics. [pdf]. Retrieved from: http://www.nctm.org/about/content.aspx?id=14233

 

Roblyer, M. D. and Doering, A. H. (2010).  Integrating Technology into Teaching. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.