Reflection on "The Role of Computers in
Mathematics Teaching and Learning"
The approaches to teaching mathematics vary greatly, but technology
is a growing link in all approaches. Technology itself is growing
all over the world. Students need to know about all kinds of technology
for future careers and introducing them to certain aspects of
it in the classroom will be very beneficial. However, it should
be used as an enhancement to what they have already learned or
for exploration.
When used appropriately, computers and technology in the classroom
can enhance student learning and understanding. Traditional teaching
cannot always reach every student, but with the incorporation
of technology students can visually see and understand concepts
easier. It can also get those students who do not enjoy math usually
more involved and grow their interest in the subject more. This
type of motivation is great for students who really have no drive
to work on math, but they really like computers and technology
so it does get them involved more in math class. Teachers just
need to be careful that the technology is being used for math
during class time.
The different kinds of software really are valuable resources
for teachers. Having students use Geometer's Sketchpad and other
programs that help them to perform task and investigations helps
to accomplish the NCTM standards of getting students to think
about their problems, making connections, and further explorations
if they get interested. Teachers need to familiarize themselves
with such software to help all their students' learning. Instructional
software is better used in elementary grades. Getting the younger
students to do the drill with practice type software helps them
practice on previously learned concepts. It is not as good for
the middle and high school grades. The students quickly learn
how to manipulate the program so that they do not have to do the
work required of them which ends up hurting them in their mathematics
abilities. This goes back to the fact that technology must be
used appropriately in order to be affective.
Many concerns can be brought up when the discussion of technology
is mentioned, but the two in this article are probably the biggest.
Teacher preparation is a big issue because it takes a lot of time
for the teachers to get to know a program and learn activities
for themselves, and then they have to find class time to show
the students how to work it and do activities. Also, (and this
is even something that is a concern in college) money is a big
issue. Either funding issues within school systems or economic
constraints on the student's end are problems that are frequently
run into. Even at the college level, there are some classes that
require students to buy software in order to do assignments, but
sometimes students do not have a computer at home or are on scholarship
and may not be able to find the extra money to buy the program
needed for class. The issue of money is a big one. It also brings
up the issue of educational equity for school systems when you
have some systems that cannot afford what others can. This will
later create problems in postsecondary schools.
Teachers coming right out of college now are better taught in
technology for the classroom then they have in years past, but
the big thing is integrating this technology into the classroom
and getting the technology into the classroom. It would be nice
if this were a perfect world and every math class in the nation
could have a class set of computers and the software that could
help so many students, but as we all know it's not a perfect world.