The right types of technology can create new opportunities for students to demonstrate mathematical understandings and can strengthen existing formative assessment practices. The authors write that they frequently use the Math Learning Center apps--covering the range of manipulatives and models--to empower students to explain their thinking. The…

Trying to find quality apps for use in mathematics classes can be time consuming and bewildering. This article outlines a process for evaluating apps and provides teachers with access to comprehensive qualitative evaluations of 53 geometrical apps based on pedagogical, mathematical and cognitive fidelities.

The best Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) design challenges are student centered, with students themselves making the key decisions. But with young children who are still learning basic academic and social skills, implementing projects where they truly take the lead can be quite challenging. To give students at one…

Maree Skillen provides a practical guide to using the free, Skitch app to promote mathematical exploration and understanding. Five activities are provided, with links made to the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics.

iPads are beginning to appear in more and more primary classrooms, yet it is difficult to find teaching ideas that promote deep mathematical understanding. Catherine Attard provides a list of teaching considerations to be used when using iPads and two practical ideas for using them.

It is more important for children to learn concepts in mathematics than to be able to perform automatic computational functions. By permitting manipulation of the relationships among visible objects, computer graphics can make it easier for students to grasp concepts and can serve as an essential ingredient in effective computer-assisted…

This article: describes how to prevent pins on game paddles from breaking; suggests using needlepoint books for ideas to design computer graphics; lists a BASIC program to create a Christmas tree, with extension activities; suggests a LOGO Christmas activity; and describes a book on the development of microcomputers. (JN)

"ARITHMETIC 400" is the first of the next generation of educational programs designed to encourage thinking about arithmetic problems. Presented in video game format, performance is a measure of correctness, speed, accuracy, and fortune as well. Play presents a challenge to individuals at various skill levels. The program, run on an Apple…

Discusses uses of calculators and microcomputers in mathematics education with particular reference to their impact on the teaching and learning of mathematics in Hong Kong schools. Indicates that teacher training in software design and production is essential because of the lack of adequate, well-designed mathematics software. (Author/JN)

Reports that microcomputer use will help six year-old children solve some types of problems better but will not improve their general learning and thinking abilities. Logo programing resulted in higher creativity scores and in children's ability to monitor their own thinking, but revolutionary changes in cognitive development were not found. (DH)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) sponsored a conference which focused on topics and issues related to the impact of computing on school mathematics. Presented are guidelines/recommendations related to computing and: (1) the mathematics curriculum; (2) mathematics instruction; and (3) pre- and in-service components of…

Describes a project in which 11- to 13-year-old children used their LOGO programing experience to assist them in investigating a mathematical topic. Students initially drew frieze patterns on graph paper and then wrote LOGO program. Implications of the project for mathematics instruction are noted. (JN)

Presents activities and procedures to help students use a spreadsheet program in their studies of mathematics and finance. Examples are provided for VisiCalc since the program is easy to learn and is available for many different computers. (JN)

Four uses of microcomputers in elementary science education are discussed. These include: (1) drill and practice; (2) simulation; (3) problem solving; and (4) programing. Indicates that mathematics instruction may be enhanced in the same ways. (JN)

The focus of this workshop involving people from 13 countries in Asia and the Pacific Region was on using computers to assist learning in mathematics. The report contains the following sections: (1) Introduction; (2) The Mathematics Curriculum: Innovation and Change; (3) The Mathematics Classroom: New Ideas with Computers; (4) Software: Quality…