by Barbara Anderson

Technology in

Education

Part 1: Failing in Mathematics

Part 2:Part 3:

Part 1: Failing in Mathematics

Part 2: Integrating Technology Into the Mathematics Classroom: The Role of Teacher Preparation Programs

Part 3: Revolutionary Technique Enables Highland Park Student Math Scores to Soar

Part l:

Failing in Mathematicshttp://www.voxeu.org/index.php?q=node/2722

There is a strong link between the successes in high school math, in college & in the working world. Studies are showing a trend of US students who are graduating without being well equipped in this area. One of the key problems is the lack of good, qualified math teachers. Teacher quality is directly associated with student performance. Schools struggle with keeping the kind of high quality teachers that are needed. Financial issues are a large contributing problem. Schools struggle to find solutions for these challenges.

“On the most recent NAEP mathematics

assessment, 39% of 12th graders failed to score

above the basic achievement level.”

-Barrow-Debraggio

-Rouse

“Evidence suggests that computer-aided instruction programs have the potential to significantly enhance mathematics achievement in middle and high schools –

particularly for students in large, heterogeneous classes – by increasing the amount of individualized instruction available.” -Barrow -Debraggio -Rouse

There are some good implications that computer technology can help with this challenge. Computers can help both with the low levels of achievement and with some cost effective ways of staffing. By examining the financial situations and implementing measures of reform, these challenges can be addressed. Taking measures to correct the poor performance and outcomes in mathematics is essential and important for the future of our students. Barrow, Lisa: Debraggio,

Elizabeth; Rouse, Cecilia Elena; (2008) Failing in Mathematics, VoxEU.org, 23 Dec. 2008

We certainly have a

responsibility to provide the very best environments of learning for our children. They are never too young and it is never too late to start. Familiarizing students with math/computer technology at a young age will help them at every stage in the future. Poor performance due to the lack of proper instruction is just not acceptable and needs to be addressed from every angle.

Part 2:

Integrating Technology into the Mathematics

Classroom: The Role of Teacher Preparation

Programs-Regina M. Mistretta

http://math.coe.uga.edu/tme/Issues/v15n1/v15n1_Mistretta.pdf

The key to integrating math technology into the classroom is to produce educators that are literate in computer education. Teachers being educated themselves in ways of incorporating this technology into their classrooms is a huge benefit in the realm of education. Big positive changes have come about through linking technology and curriculum. Data has shown that this kind of instructional technology greatly helps the higher thinking skills develop that are needed for math skills.

“Today’s technology standards (International Society for

Technology in Education, 2000) challenge teacher education

programs across the nation to address the need to produce

computer literate teachers who are confident in their ability to

choose and incorporate instructional technology into their classroom teaching.”

-Regina M. Mistretta

Software and websites can be matched to the needs of individual classrooms. A teacher that is knowledgeable and trained in these areas can confidently provide students with the technological tools to succeed in the math classroom. With adequate preparation, teachers can make positive, informed decisions on what programs to use and how to apply the abilities, knowledge and skills that have been acquired. Significant changes have been made in education through the process of linking curriculum and technology. Math can be boosted through this.Mistretta, Regina M.(2005)Integrating Technology Into The Mathematics Classroom:

The Role of Teacher Preparation Programs, The Mathematics Educator 15 (1) 18 - 24

The demanding need for the use of technology in our

educational system shows up in the deficient test scores that

are being reported. Mathematic skills have

declined and need to be reinforced within our school

systems. It is within our reach to give our students the

opportunities to increase the quality of math education. It can only happen if educators take it upon themselves to be

willing to learn these new ways to empower our children with technology advances in

education.

Part 3:Revolutionary Technology

Enables Highland Park Student Math Scores to

Soar-Debbie Edwards

http://www.sfbayview.com/2009/revolutionary-technology-enables-highland-park-student-math-scores-to-soar/

Highland Park, a Detroit Michigan High School has students who are excited about their achievements. They are excelling in academics and are not struggling to complete and turn in assignments. Classrooms are busy on days when students are not required to attend. All of this has come about for one reason – technology. The classrooms were equipped with computers and selected learning programs. The students love it and cannot seem to get enough satisfaction. What has occurred is amazing.

“Instead of trying

to get students

to come to class, these

teachers are trying

to get students

to go home.”-Debbie Edwards

Attitudes toward math in this school became positive. Students found pleasure and success in the computer based programs that were offered. The students are excited about being able to achieve what never seemed possible before.

One teacher who had doubted the program now says that this is one of the best things that has ever happened to her classroom. Every day students are engaged in learning.

At Highland Park Career Academy, the average pre-test score for Algebra 1 was 37.3 percent. The average post-

test score was 86 percent, for an average increase of almost 50 percent. The average pretest score for Algebra 2

was 39.7 percent. The average post-test score was 70.5 percent, for an

average increase of over 30 percent.

Edwards, Debbie (2009) Revolutionary Technology Enables Highland Park Student Math

Scores to Soar, San Francisco National Black Newspaper, February

It is exciting to see the possibilities that only a few years ago were beyond our reach. The realities have proven to be successes that are no less than incredible . Students can be empowered educationally with the technology that is readily available. We have to take advantage of what is before us and equip our children to be successful and advance. Embracing a better future means that we may need to step out on trial and error and see what works and is efficient in each of our situations.

Here are some math sites that have come in useful in elementary classroom

math support.

http://www.coolmath.com

http://www.mathcats.com

http://www.funbrain.com/

http://www.math.com/

http://www.mathgoodies.com/

Technology in math education is a

tremendous support that can transform

students approach to the learning

environment. With some inspiration and proper preparation,

teachers can turn their classrooms into the

learning centers that make a positive

difference. The overall downward trend in math

scores in the US is unacceptable. This

educational challenge can be met and most certainly conquered through the use of

technology.