Infusing e-learning into Maths
As educators we’re always looking for authentic ways to integrate and infuse e-learning tools into lesson sequences. In the case of Maths, it might be finding ways to use e-learning to;
- introduce or consolidate new concepts
- solve problems
- capture and archive thinking processes and progress
Starting with the learning intentions…some guiding questions around our practice might also include:
- What do we currently access/use/model to teach and have students engage with this learning intention?
- What digital resources are available (cross platform computers/tablets/accessories) to support the learning intentions?
- How can we plan/implement opportunities in Maths, that include the effective use of e-tools to enhance learning?
- How might e-learning be used to capture learning outcomes?
For example,
Maths concept: Fractions (Upper/middle primary)
Learning intention: Students can represent fractions as parts of an array, identify equivalent fractions, explore common denominators and more...
Digistore Digital learning object: Design a park (or neighbourhood, city, farm) NOTE: You will need a log-in to view this.
Description: Help a town planner to design a site plan for a park. Assign regions on a grid for different uses such as picnic tables, swings, sandpits or ponds. Use this tool to explore how to express fractions and display them in different ways. READ MORE >>>
Using digital resources like these enables students to go beyond paper-based processing, into a virtual world; that enables them to problem solve, interact socially and apply new learning in authentic contexts.
Want to know more? Why not come and join us next Thursday for a LIVE WEBINAR with Vanitha Govini.
LIVE WEBINAR: Supporting maths through digital technologies, Thursday 29 May 3.45 – 4.45pm, Interested in ways to engage and accelerate learning in maths using e-learning tools and pedagogies? Join Vanitha Govini as we explore ways to effectively infuse e-learning to help introduce and consolidate maths concepts and processes.
You're invited to come and share your own experiences here. REGISTER NOW.
You might also like to access more wisdom and support around e-Learning in Primary Mathematics in this VLN group that Vanitha has started. Please feel free to join this group for more learning conversations.
Do you have some maths/e-learning related learning experiences to share too? We'd love to hear from you! 
Replies
- Tessa Gray (View all users posts) 30 May 2014 9:49am ()
Here's a summary of yesterday's webinar with Vanitha Govini from Guest blogger Catriona Pene.
This afternoon we had the pleasure of joining Vanitha Govini for a maths webinar on
Exploring Digital Technologies to Engage and Accelerate learning in Mathematics.
We started by talking about what mathematician’s do. Vanitha highlighted the following behaviours as being important for success in maths:
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Explain and justify their thinking
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Solve problems in different ways.
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Think, Rethink and Check
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Identify patterns and make connections
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Take risks
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Learn from others
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Ask good Maths questions
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Participate in mathematical argumentation
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Use different strategies
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Reflect on their learning
Vanitha also introduced us to Supporting future oriented learning and teaching- A New Zealand perspective and reminded us of the 6 Key themes:
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Personalising learning
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New views of equity, diversity and inclusivity
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A curriculum that uses knowledge to develop learning capacity
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“Changing the script”: Rethinking learners’ and teachers’ roles
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A culture of continuous learning for teachers and educational leaders
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New kinds of partnerships and relationships: schools no longer siloes from the community.
She also shared with us Principles of effective pedagogy. Vanitha asked us, “How are you ensuring equity and diversity are included in your maths lessons?”
We watched Dan Meyer – Maths curriculum needs a makeover! and talked about taking out the huge amounts of text that are often in maths problems.
Think about using mixed ability groups and the “spray and walk away” style of teaching where you ask the questions or pose the problem and then walk away and let them get on with solving the problems.
Next video was a great little clip of some South Auckland Primary school students exploring geometric shapes in the playground of their school.
Next we looked at e-ako maths site. New Zealand material for our learners, new updates all the time, online tool and free to use.
Finally Vanitha shared some apps and other online sites and tools for maths teaching, I thoroughly recommend you check out the recording of the webinar or her presentation for all her links.
And a final reminder to start with the learning intention and then find tools to support learning. VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING. -
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