Technology in the Classroom: Math and Science Apps

The use of technology in the classroom can be very beneficial for the student, as well as the teacher. I have found that the use of the promethean board in the classroom is a beneficial tool, when presenting lessons (PowerPoint, Prezi and video presentations). I feel as though the students are more attentive and interested in the lesson, when the material is presented along with the use of the promethean board, especially for my ELL students. As Roblyer & Doering (2013) states, “when combined with the recent research findings on potential for impact, these reasons pose a powerful rational for why technology must become a commonplace in education as it is in other areas of society” (pg.26). I would love if each student had the access of an iPad, for individualized learning; “the trend toward mobile devices in education is already being seen and is likely to be widespread and seems likely to have a great impact on K-12 education” (pg. 27).

Teaching ELL students is sometimes difficult, but through the use of Google Translate and other applications on my iPad, I have found that it is quite easy to translate words or small phrase between languages. The use of the iPad in my ELL class has been a wonderful instructional tool. If each ELL student had his/her own iPad they would be allowed to use it any time when need at school or even at home. There are several apps which can be downloaded to help the students when they struggle with a language deficiency, remediation of skills and even enrichment of skills. However, “trying to find the perfect app that provides the content, collaboration, and/or interaction could take hours of search and hours learning how to use the app” (pg.229).

The use of the iPad and other technology tools are very beneficial to students and teachers in the classroom, but “good teachers are more essential now than ever” (pg. 10). iPads have several benefits: the use as a textbook, video presentations, interactive applications, and even as a smart board. Teachers must learn to integrate the use of iPads within the classroom to benefit learning and not become comfortable solely relying or not relying upon them.  The following are apps I use within my classroom to help supplement and enhance student learning.

Math Way http://www.mathway.com/mobile.aspx This app allows students to get instant answers to math problems for free. After selecting the area of math, which includes basic math, algebra and calculus, students type in the problem and a solution is given. Although the free version does not explain each step, users can purchase the premium version that displays explanation (steps) for each solution. Example problems, a math glossary and graphs are included, as well.

Math Works http://www.mathsworkout.net Get a daily math workout each day to improve your mental math skills through mini games. This app is FREE and a great resource for fast finishers, center use or remediation/enrichment of skills.

Basic Sciences 100Q Quiz http://100q-quiz.blogspot.com Students can answer basic science questions to determine their knowledge or increase their understanding. Basic science questions are only found within this app, however developers have other FREE apps with questions on other branches of science.

Frog Dissection http://www.punflay.com/ For 2.99 students can dissect a frog without harming a frog. With detailed steps and descriptions of each body part and function, along with quizzes and videos, students gain great discoveries and understanding. Other dissection apps and specific subject area apps are all available for purchase.

“@artgigapps: Top 10 Apps for Learning Math @AwesomeKidsApps ! http://t.co/bywvarHBi5 #mathapp #edapp” #ED5059413UWA
— ✏ReGina LaTrese (@ginalatrese) July 3, 2013

“@FerGGuzman: Awesome. New app to analyze the sprectra of different sources of light from the iPhone. http://t.co/kVo5hEwaKz” #ED5059413UWA
— ✏ReGina LaTrese (@ginalatrese) July 3, 2013

Check out this video of iPad use in the classroom as a supplement to learning!!