Technology not only provides a source of entertainment for individuals of all ages, it also improves the way individuals learn, particularly when it comes to math concepts. With the variety of gadgets, software, online video games, and other resources available, technology is rapidly advancing and improving curriculum in a great way. Here are five ways technology can help you improve and enhance your math curriculum.
1. Uses Better Images and Learning Resources
One of the largest benefits of technology in the classroom is it provides bold, sharp, and detailed images. You can create comprehensive graphs to help solve a story problem or to assist students when working on a challenging equation. Additionally, with the numerous programs and software applications available, you can customize these images so they are appealing to students, which makes math a little more realistic and interesting for them.
2. Appeals to All Learning Types
Students learn in a variety of ways, and trying to teach a concept in a specific way to dozens of students can be daunting and challenging. However, technology makes it possible. You can use online video games to teach visual learners. Online flashcards and other types of software can appeal to reading and writing learning types. Even students who like lecture-based lessons can take notes and use online resources to master certain skills or to find practice problems.
3. It Brings Variety
Many students find math very difficult. They have a hard time sitting through a lesson without their mind wandering and they can quickly become bored and frustrated. With the use of technology, it becomes much easier to keep a student’s attention. Additionally, there are a variety of materials and resources you can use to best match the grade level, interest, and even the personalities of your students.
4. Helps You Gauge Student’s Progress
When it comes to certain concepts and math skills, some students are quick learners, while others struggle. There are many ways that using technology can help you gauge exactly how well a student understands the things being taught. For example, if playing an educational online video game, a report may be provided that shows what concepts, skills, and levels a child had a difficult time completing. It might also show how quickly a child was able to solve a problem and progress to the next level. Varying games, programs, and resources will offer different types of reports. However, even the most basic reports can provide ample information for educators to know where a student is struggling and if he or she needs additional help.
5. It Makes Students Excited about Math
Before technology was common in the classroom, math was typically a lecture-based subject. Many students struggled with the subject matter because the presentation was boring. Now, with the integration of technology, math can become interesting for students and they can get excited about it. You can make videos, play games, or build and design graphics, all while teaching math skills. It isn’t the same type of lesson every day and with the wide number of options, you can combine several concepts into one project or lesson.
Technology provides a new way of learning and teaching. It helps educators reach students who weren’t interested in math and make them excited. It allows teachers and parents to closely monitor a student’s progress and add diversity to a once lecture-based lesson. Sign up for more information on how technology — such as online video games — can appeal to a variety of learning types and how these programs can benefit the math education for students of all ages.