Critical Issue in Mathematics Education - Report Example

Potential benefits have been realized in Australian rooms mostly by incorporating the use of technology, which has been a catalyst for pedagogical change in many cases. With this technology, the classrooms have become in themselves examples of excellent teaching and learning facilities especially with regard to mathematics. Following adoption of technology in the classrooms, the curriculum has changed learning experiences, rigor with suitable emphasis on process. Similarly, technology has played a key role in enhancing the delivery of learning activities and improved the understanding capabilities of the students. Mathematics and Technology In the unforgiving competition within the global economy, the need to develop new strategies to keep up with the market is certain. Such strategies include the understanding and application of new technologies in most fields with the nation’s economy. This is more so in the education sector to aid in improvement of skills with regard to mathematics and science. Incorporation of technology within educational institutions has seen a dramatic change of perception and increased level of innovation to the benefit of the students (Nguyen, Hsieh and Donald 2006, p.252). In this regard, technology has found a home in classrooms where active educators use it as a means of improving their presentation of concepts. The use of modern flash animations and videos as learning tools to illustrate concepts in various subjects, which is facilitated by use of unique software and projectors. Computers in education engage students making the learning more powerful and relatively easy to follow through simulated computations of scientific and mathematical problems. Laptops among students assist in delivery of assignments and reading materials. The application of technology in teaching mathematics demands new interpretations of the instructional process, with those who embrace it undergoing vigorous evaluation in a bid to keep up its evolution. A key feature of mathematics is in its use of physical and intellectual tools. The use of technology during the learning process has its application limited by the user’s imagination. Its generic nature leaves room for improvement in its application especially in mathematics. Mathematical activities that involve the application of computer technology include communication, mathematical modeling, manipulation of numbers, symbols and shapes, and investigation of patterns and problems. Calculators and Mathematics A learning environment enriched by technology should be characterized by collaborative and investigative approaches to learning, which increases content integration across the curriculum. In this regard, subjects being taught in a classroom are applied before the end of the day. This plays a critical role in the development of the learning basic concepts, which in turn facilitate understanding. The use of technology such as computers and calculators during mathematics lessons has seen an increase in efficiency especially in the delivery of content by teachers. The use of calculators in Australian schools received wide endorsements from the education system as it was seen as a new way of enhancing learning. Its endorsement has seen the development of significant technologies complement the use of calculators. One of the key benefits for the use of calculators in mathematics classes is the improvement of conceptual understanding and visualization of mathematical concepts. A mathematics class incorporating calculators in their coursework tend to have an improved sense of grasping concepts as there are taught to them. Moreover, efficiency is enhanced as students move along the coursework with much easy. The use of calculators and other technologies within a mathematics course improve the procedural skills and knowledge in a student. This is as evidenced in studies conducted to examine the benefits of technology in classrooms. Therefore, in order to achieve successful application in the classroom, technology is based on a reformulation of science and mathematics concepts in a broad mandate that sets the traditional disciplinary knowledge aside. Besides having to learn how to use the technology in class, students are taught on the application of concepts and procedures in real life. This has positive impacts on the learning process by encouraging lightening the learning atmosphere in class. It is for this reason that calculators renew the leaning spirit among students by making the process exciting. Recalling the junior scholar years, the thought of using a machine in class would leave my colleagues and I eager to start lessons. This excitement boosted morale and understanding ability as attention was fully invested in the connection between curriculum and technology. Yearning for more, I would look forward to learning new concepts especially in mathematics, which encouraged me to work hard. The scope of computer, calculators and other technologies application in mathematics courses is unlimited. Such application ranges from basic arithmetic calculations to transformational geometry, which requires students to transform and make interpretation on regular geometric shapes. Besides the improvement of the teaching process, technology aids in development of teaching as well as the learning materials. It is with the right materials that the learning capability of a learner can be effective modified and set to excel. Learning materials in this case are represented by appropriate teaching aids such as procedural charts and manuals. Incorporation of technology allows for the change of the learning environment, which is essential to create an enticing learning atmosphere. Changing old strategies and teaching methodologies encourages the learning process. In addition, application of technology in the mathematics coursework encourages positive feedback from the students. This is important for the assessment of how effective the teaching strategies are Criticism on the use of technology Although there are numerous benefits associated with the use of technology in the learning process, arguments against its use have always been there. Debate regarding the use of calculators in classrooms based on the ‘junk-in, junk-out’ philosophy of computers. Computers are known to give the information when fed with the wrong data, and for this reason that critics raise concerns. Others argue that technology produces dependent societies who cannot prevail without the use of machines to perform basic tasks. In other views, critics claim that technology interferes with the learning process by hindering the grasping of mathematical concepts and learning of procedures. It is for this reason that students are seen to attempt a variety of computations since they lack understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts. In the same manner, students shy away from the key benefit of learning mathematics, which is to promote logical training. Thus, the average student is blocked from seeing the inherent structure of mathematical relationships, and in turn gives the student a false sense of confidence about the mathematics ability by encouraging repetition and memorization of procedures. In addition, the application of technology in the learning process requires heavy monetary investments to ensure that it is effectively implemented and guarantee benefits. Financial constrains prove to be an obstacle to implementation as there is barely enough to finance existing education systems. In the same manner, equity cannot be assured with regard to the quality of services provided in education systems. This is more so due the limited amount of resources, which places most students at a disadvantaged position and measures have to be established to cater for the disparity. Effective Technologies Effective technologies in the classroom are characterized by their ability to foster learning by motivating both teachers and students. An effective technology is easy to use and gathers popularity among the population. In addition, it should strive to go beyond the means of traditional learning techniques as well as afford new and improved ways of learning (Joshua 1997 p.274). Most technologies that are to be incorporated in the classroom must meet and satisfy the needs of the students as well as facilitate a smooth learning process. This is a representation of transformative technology aimed at evoking the learning capabilities of its audience with an aim of improving the learning process (Jamieson 1996, p.157). For instance, PowerPoint is considered as one of the effective technologies incorporated in class due to its ability to incorporate numerous features to facilitate the learning process. Using PowerPoint, videos, images, and texts can be merged to create a learning montage, which can be easily referred to in time of need. This way, mathematical concepts as well as concepts from other subjects can be displayed in a simplified manner by use of PowerPoint as a teaching aid. Another example of an effective technology is the graphical calculator, which for a small financial investment proves to be of immense use (Pratt 2012, p.9). Its application ranges from basic arithmetic computation to statistical analysis, with its effectiveness being experienced extensively. Projectors and public address systems facilitate sharing of the limited resources among students in lecture halls. This facilitates the audibility and access to information by students during lectures. Cellular phones aid in quick dissemination of information to students as well as improve communication within the learning institution. With the readily available internet connectivity, online learning activities allow students from around the globe to engage in discussions of concepts, serving as a research tool. Similarly, it ensures the provision of current and related information, opening an avenue through which more can be explored. In addition, internet connectivity has given learning centers a faster way of reaching out to more students in real time through distance learning programs (Calder 2011, p.19). In conclusion, the above clearly demonstrate the benefits of integrating technology in teaching institutions especially in a mathematics course and, therefore, should be encouraged to enhance the learning process. Students using computers and calculators can increase their understanding of arithmetic operations and improve on their skills by use of appropriate technology. However, for technology to be effective it should be supportive of the students and place their needs before anything else. References Joshua L. T. (1997). “The Scientific World View, Information Technology, and Science Education: Closing the Gap between Knowledge-Generation and Knowledge-Consumption”. Journal of Science Education and Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 273-284. Nguyen, D., Hsieh, Y. and Donald, A. (2006). The Impact of Web-Based Assessment and Practice on Students Mathematics Learning Attitudes, The Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching: 251- 279, 3. Jamieson, M, Kajs, R and Agee, A. (1996). Computer-Assisted Techniques to Enhance Transformative Learning in First-Year Literature Courses, Computers and the Humanities, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 157-164. Calder, N. (2011). Processing Mathematics Through Digital Technologies: The Primary Years. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers. Pratt, D. (2012). Making mathematics phenomenal. Bedford Way, London. Institute of Education. Read More