This document summarizes three articles about using technology to enhance mathematics education. Article one discusses a study where third graders used online virtual manipulatives to learn fractions and achieved improved test scores and enjoyment. Article two describes how technologies like calculators and spreadsheets can engage students in lessons on topics like division and weight calculation. Article three explains how a school uses streamed online video clips to demonstrate geometry concepts in a way that helps students better understand and pay attention. The document argues that incorporating diverse technologies can enhance students' mathematical abilities.

1. Presenting TechnologyResearchCourtney CunninghamW20023 June 2010 Theme: Using Technology to Enhance MathematicsClick to continue

2. Menu Article One“Third-Graders Learn About Fractions Using Virtual Manipulatives: A Classroom Study” Summary and Reflection

3. Article Two“Infusing Technology into Mathematics Lessons”Summary and Reflection

4. Article Three“Teaching Math With Video Streaming”Summary and Reflection

5. Conclusion Next

6. Article One“Third-Graders Learn About Fractions Using Virtual Manipulatives: A Classroom Study”Summary: Part 1This article, written by Kelly Reimer (2005), discusses the growth of technology in the subject of math. Many teachers are now turning to online software that provides virtual manipulatives for students to work with. This article describes a project that was done with third graders that used these online math manipulatives while working on a fraction unit. Students in this project were given a pre-test on the knowledge they had on the material prior to using the software, and they were also given a post-test after they had used it. How did the results turn out and how did the students and teachers feel about this new technology? (click here)

7. Summary: Part 2The ResultsAfter taking the pre-test, using the software, and taking the post-tests, students were also surveyed and interviewed. The results showed considerable progress in students' post-test scores on a test of conceptual knowledge, and a large relationship between students' scores on the post-tests of conceptual knowledge and practical knowledge. Student surveys and interviews showed that the virtual manipulatives helped students in this class learn more about fractions by providing direct and exact feedback. They also noted that they were easier and faster to use than paper-and-pencil methods, and improved students' enjoyment while learning mathematics.What do I think about this technology? (click here)

8. ReflectionA Ha!After reading this article, I began to consider all of the benefits from incorporating this technology into the classroom. Math is a subject that many students and teachers struggle with. One quote that stuck out to me in this article was,“To use virtual manipulatives, teachers must have an understanding of how to use representations for mathematics instruction as well as an understanding of how to structure a mathematics lesson where students use technology”(Riemer,2005). I agree with this quote that is not only important for students to learn to how use these technologies, but it is also important for teachers to have the understanding as well. Cleary these virtual manipulatives make math more enjoyable and easy to understand. Getting instant results from using the software also gives teachers a quicker understanding on what students are struggling with. These manipulatives also eliminate the hassle of using paper and pencil and other punch outs that may be easily lost. Using virtual manipulatives when learning math visibly benefits both students and teachers.Read This Article Here

9. Article two“Infusing Technology into Mathematics Lessons”Summary: Part 1The author of this article, Brian Beaudrie(2004), explains the many technologies that may be used to enhance the mathematical experience in the classroom. He describes that using these technologies allow for students to be more engaged and eager to learn about math. He explains how using different methods for learning, students begin to understand in ways they may not have before.What technologies are discussed and how are they used?

10. Summary: Part 2The article explains that some of the primary tools of technology used in the classroom are the calculator and spreadsheets. Beaudrie (2004) presents various lesson plans that incorporate these technologies such as, lessons on division with remainders, and calculating weight in different situations. Both of these lesson plans allow students to used technology to learn in a different way. What are my thoughts on this article?

11. ReflectionThis article made me believe how easy it really is to incorporate technology into lesson plans, even if the technology is something that every student has right in front of them, such as a calculator. The quote from the article that was most intriguing to me was, “Using technology to teach mathematical concepts helps make the mathematics come alive for many students” (Beaudrie, 2004). It is important for students to be aware of the technologies that can provide them with a meaningful, helpful, and engaging learning experience. A Ha!Read This Article Here

12. Article Three“Teaching Math With Video Steaming”Summary: Part 1This article, written by Jean Whitaker (2005), discusses how one California school uses the technology of streaming videos from the internet to teach different math concepts. Video streaming is digital video content that can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. These video clips can be used by teachers and students in various ways. How exactly are these video clips used and how are they benefiting students?

13. Summary: Part 2The teachers at this school use video streaming in numerous ways. For example, teachers can demonstrate geometry concepts by showing three dimensional video clips that show how to measure shapes. Using these videos, teachers can pause and play them at any time to explain the problems. By incorporating this technology into math lessons, students at this school found they could better understand the math they were learning and found it more enjoyable. Teachers also noted that students began to pay better attention in class when using this technology.What are my thoughts on this article?