Using technology to help deepen understanding of math concepts.

Technology helps our students understand difficult concepts…and share what they have learned!

We often think of technology as being really cool, fun and often more as “play” than work.  What we don’t always realize is that technology is also opening up new ways to learn for those who struggle with a particular concept.   

2nd graders in Mrs. McNair's classroom enjoy learning about math concepts. 

Learning to understand the concept of subtraction when using large numbers is easy for some students, but for many, it is a difficult concept and it takes practice. Mrs McNair is using the math view in Kidspiration to help students grasp the concept and to be able to explain their understanding of the concept

On their first attempt with the software, they learned to create a chart to show the hundred, tens and ones - then manipulate the virtual base 10 blocks on the screen to show their understanding of the math problem on the board.   

It didn’t take long for them to realize that there were multiple ways to solve a math problem and they eagerly shared what they were learning with their partners. The software allows them to color the blocks, to move the blocks around, to separate and regroup the blocks and to show them with or without labelled columns.  Practice makes perfect… and when the practice is engaging,  it’s much easier to become a great math student.   This will be an ongoing project so watch for more on this in upcoming weeks.

Jumping right into coding.... and having fun

How do you teach a group of 5th graders about computer coding and how to write code?   Not an easy task for even the most experienced of teachers!!!!

Mrs. Walker's 5th graders at COES today jumped right in using their Samsung Notes and an app callled Lightbot One Hour coding.  There are lots of programs and apps out there that will help to make this easier but Mrs. Walker's behind the scenes research in deciding which one to select paid off.  It seems that the students really enjoyed the chance  to make a robot walk around, turn corners and jump up and down steps.   While playing, they were learning some important concepts.  A computer will only do what it is told to do, and you cannot skip a single step or instruction if you want it to work well.  Paying attention to details and thinking a problem through from start to finish are definitely skills we want our students to develop... and judging by their engagement, it seems like a little time for fun is just the way to get started.  Check out more fun ways to learn about coding at hourofcode.com.