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Using Technology in the Elementary Math Classroom
(Elementary)

Overview

In this course, participants will explore new technologies that can be used in elementary math instruction in kindergarten through sixth grade. Participants will review NCTM and state standards and examine the ways in which tools like virtual manipulatives, calculators, spreadsheet programs, online data sources, and applets can support these goals. In particular, the course will address ways in which technology can support elementary algebra, geometry, number and operation, and data analysis standards. Participants will leave the course with a lesson plan that integrates new technologies into instruction in their own classrooms.

Goals and Products

This online course will enable participants to

1. Understand which technologies are appropriate for teaching math in the elementary classroom.
2. Learn how to use a variety of online tools to enhance math instruction.
3. Identify the NCTM standards that are met through online activities.
4. Locate valuable math resources on the Internet.

Format and Requirements

This course is divided into six one-week sessions which each include readings, an activity and an online discussion among course participants. The time for completing each session is estimated to be two to four hours.

The outline for the course is as follows:

In the first session, participants will examine several resources available on the web to support math instruction in the elementary classroom. In Session Two, participants will learn how to use virtual manipulatives to teach mathematical concepts appropriate for elementary students. In Session Three, participants will explore ways in which they can use technology to find and analyze real world data. They will also begin to plan their technology-enhanced lesson. Session Four highlights the ways in which calculators can enhance math instruction and Session Five teaches participants how they can use spreadsheets to help students analyze mathematical data. Finally, in Session Six, participants will apply their knowledge of math technologies and finalize their lesson plans that incorporates one or more of the tools in the course.

Prerequisites

This is an introductory course for teachers, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers. In addition, participants should be proficient with using e-mail, browsing the Internet, and navigating to computer files.

Content and Technology Standards

This course, Using Technology in the Elementary Math Classroom, will help participants meet the following ISTE Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for All Teachers, especially Standards I, II and III.

In addition, this will help the teachers to enable their students to meet the following NCTM standards:
Grades K-2
Number and Operations Standard: Reasoning and Proof Standards
http://standards.nctm.org/document/chapter4/reas.htm http://standards.nctm.org/document/chapter4/numb.htm
Data Analysis and Probability Standard
Communication Standard

Grades 3-5
Number and Operations Standards
Data Analysis and Probability Standard
Reasoning and Proof Standard
Communication Standard

Reproduced with permission from Education Development Center, Inc.,
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