Prior to the COVID pandemic, technology integration in my high school math classroom was mainly used in two ways: discovery-based activities and homework assignments. Finding applicable resources for discovery-based learning that would fit into existing lesson plans was not always easy.
Along with that, the curriculum supplement that came with our new textbooks was starting to replace some of the traditional paper-and-pencil work that we had been doing. Being suddenly thrust into distance and hybrid learning situations for the next year and a half pushed me to find additional, more efficient ways to blend technology integration into my teaching.
In this article, I am going to briefly cover some of the tools and practices that I found to be most useful, in all classroom settings, as I continue to try to move toward an effective blended learning style.
There are two separate categories of technology when referring to teaching math. One being systems and tools such as graphing calculators and computer algebra systems (CAS), with the other being resources like web apps, Google tools, and curriculum supplements like ALEKS or IXL. The latter of those two is my focus here. Providing resources such as these, and implementing them successfully has a number of benefits for your learners, immediate feedback being right at the top of that list.
“[Instant feedback] helps a learner deepen their understanding. After they have given input (i.e. chosen an answer) instant feedback serves to reinforce knowledge by correcting mistakes, affirming competence or debunking misconceptions on the topic. The more frequent and consistently you provide feedback, the better,” (Markovic, n.d.).
I have found a number of tools that my students and myself enjoy using that provide rigorous, engaging material as well as immediate feedback in various forms.
Google has a number of different tools that can be utilized to create materials that will align with the ideas mentioned above. One way that I have used Google tools for this concept is by creating a choose-your-own-adventure math activity using Slides.
Author Recent PostsPatrick Milani, Math Teacher, MinnesotaPatrick Milani is a secondary-level math teacher in Minnesota, where he has been teaching for 7 years. Latest posts by eSchool Media Contributors (see all)
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