Chris Fiscina

http://fiscinamath.weebly.com
EDU-225
6/28/2015

Entry 2: Technology to Enhance Instruction

Integrating Instructional Technology
Instructional technology must be integrated into the classroom of mathematics. The
principle stated by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics says, Technology is
essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and
enhances student's learning (Franz, 2007, p. 1)." The use of technology can bring the abstract
concepts of math to life. The teacher must be aware of how technology can be best utilized in the
classroom. With the integration of graphing and scientific calculators, computational software
such as GeoGebra, and math assessment software, a teacher can make the classroom a more
productive learning environment.
Graphing and Scientific Calculators
In the secondary math classroom, a calculator is an essential tool for all students.
Scientific calculators are used for simple computations of large numbers so that students do not
have to rely on skills they have already learned while trying to grasp new mathematical ideas.
Graphing calculators can take this further and give visual representations of complex algebraic
equations. It can be used for homework assignments as well as in class discussions and
presentations by the teacher. Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Calculus can all make use of

the graphing calculator. It can also be used to show real world examples of how a profession
would use this tool, such as engineers or architects.
GeoGebra Software
This is a free software download that can be used on a personal computer or tablet. It is
designed to let educators create interactive models for the use of experiment and discovery
learning (ILINSKIEN, 2015). By using this software, students are able to see visual
representations of geometric expressions and they are able to manipulate them to see the changes
that are produced. This type of experimentation allows the students to come to conclusions and
to recognize the mathematical patterns on their own. This type of learning tends to become more
ingrained in the students and they will retain the knowledge for use in later topics and when math
comes into play in their daily lives.
Math Assessment Software
The use of assessment software in the study of mathematics can be helpful in the
motivation of the students because of the numeric closure and the competition that it inspires in
them (Howe, 2006). By being able to assess where the students are can give them an
understanding of how they are progressing in their studies. They will know what they need to
work on and can have goals that they will reach for. By using assessment tools on a computer,
students can get immediate feedback and can repeat and fix the process until they are fully
comfortable with the topic (Howe, 2006). This understanding will help them to stay motivated in
their success with future topics that will continue to build upon each other.
Pros and Cons of using Technology to Facilitate Learning
There are many benefits that can come from using technology to facilitate learning.
Through the use of computers and calculators students can perform complex computations

quickly so that they can focus on understanding the greater concept they are learning. They are
able to see visualizations of many concepts that are abstract in the mind. Real world examples
can be displayed to help them to better comprehend the uses of these abstract mathematical
concepts. The interactive capabilities of programs gives the students a chance to see the
mathematical patterns as they emerge with only slight changes. It cuts short the time spent going
through the whole process of a complex problem and helps the student grasp the overall concept.
The disadvantages to technology in the classroom are in the fact that not all students are well
versed in technology. If the program being used takes time away from learning the material to
learn how the program is used, it can be detrimental to the students learning. It can also become
disheartening to the student who has trouble with the program and effect their understanding of
the concept. In evaluating the use of technology in facilitating learning it is easy to see that the
technology can afford a particular learning activity, but it is not necessarily true that the learning
will happen. Also the learning of a student through technology deopends upon their previous
experience in the subject and in the use of the technology so that every experience is different for
different learners (Steffens, 2015).
Wired and Wireless Classrooms
There are two ways that a school can provide internet access to the faculty and the
students. A wired network would have desktop computers that must be connected to hardlines
through the infrastructure. These wired networks provide more security and can run at much
higher speeds than a wireless network. Wireless networks could be less expensive in the initial
setup as they do not have to run wires through old buildings or do any type of construction work.
They also provide mobility for laptops and mobile devices throughout the entire school. Using a
wired classroom would mean that not every student could be on a device unless there was a

computer lab and not all of the class could occur in that lab. The teacher would have to use their
computer to show the students what can be done at home on the internet and hope that they
remember it. A wireless classroom has the added benefit that all of the students could be on the
internet and using the programs at the same time as the teacher is explaining it, giving them a
better understanding of the technology being used.
Conclusion
Technology can be used to enhance education and bring a deeper understanding to the
students. In the field of mathematics, there are many abstract concepts that can be shown to a
student through the use of technology. These concepts can also be explored more thoroughly
without the need to rely on time consuming pencil and paper computations. As long as the
teacher is comfortable with the technology that is being used and the teacher has fully thought
through how it is integrated into the classroom, technology can be to the ultimate benefit of the
students.

References:

Franz, D. P., & Hopper, P. F. (2007). Technology in Mathematics: Issues in Educating Teacher
Candidates for Rural Math Classrooms. Issues In The Undergraduate Mathematics
Preparation Of School Teachers, 3

Howe, Q. (2006). Math on the Fast Track. Educational Horizons, 84(4), 235-239.

Steffens, K., Bannan, B., Dalgarno, B., Bartolom, A. R., Esteve-Gonzlez, V., & Cela-Ranilla, J.
M. (2015). Recent Developments in Technology-Enhanced Learning: A Critical
Assessment. RUSC: Revista De Universidad Y Sociedad Del Conocimiento, 12(2), 73-86.

ILINSKIEN, I., & DEMIRBILEK, M. (2015). Use of GeoGebra in Primary Math Education
in Lithuania: An Exploratory Study from Teachers' Perspective. Informatics In Education,
14(1), 127-142. doi:10.15388/infedu.2015.08