Use of technology

These days having a computer at home is a must. Children use it to retrieve information and play games. Used in school, it is also an effective tool to practise mathematical concepts and solve problems. The endless programmes and websites of games, virtual moving pictures and sounds enhance opportunities to learn important mathematics. Besides, it also makes learning mathematics more fun and effective compared to just solving these problems using a pencil and paper.  

Just like the computer, a calculator can “promote higher-order thinking and reasoning needed for problem solving in our information- and technology-based society” (p. 115). Calculator activities can help children become familiar with the various symbols on the keypad so that “more complex activities are possible.” Calculators can help to offload detailed computation hence allowing teachers to better focus on the development of flexible strategies and make more sense of other mathematic meaning and concepts. 

However, whilst the use of technology is an integral tool in expanding student’s ability to think about challenging mathematics, there must be some form of balance. In the end it still comes down to the mathematical skills that the child owns. It is up to the teacher to prepare the children to learn the process and take learning to a higher level. That is something technology cannot replace, well at least not completely anyway.