MS.

DELORENZOS 3RD GRADE CLASS FEBRUARY 27, 2017

Technology Newsletter
iPad Applets to Teach Math Concepts

Interactive Technology to
Enhance Math Education
Suggestions for parents and guardians
Interactive technology has the potential to enhance student
learning through conceptual understanding. Apps have the
power to translate mathematics content into learning experi-
ences. Since we are currently working on fraction, specifically
improper
fractions,
mixed numbers, and equivalent fractions, this newsletter
will highlight two apps that target these areas of mathe-
matics. The visual approach of these apps is beneficial to
English-language learners. Apps and other forms of tech-
nology can also help students with disabilities interact
with their peers. I recommend that parents and guardians
demonstrate activities when introducing a new app, ini-
tially offering a lot of support and guidance and slowly
withdrawing that support so that the child can practice
independently. Apps can promote conceptual understand-
ing of rational numbers such as fractions by providing a
variety of interactive formats to practice and master con-
cepts. Benefits
of Math
Tech-
1 2 3
nology
WIDENS THE RANGE OF SUPPORTS STUDENT INCREASES ACCESS
MATHEMATIC LEARNING TO STUDENTS
CONTENT

1
Fraction Manipulative App throughout
the day such
The Fraction Manipulative as how many
app geared towards early scoops of
elementary through late sugar should
elementary is a concrete I put in the
learning tool that students lemonade if I
can use to practice basic want two
Common Core fraction cups of
concepts. This app can be lemonade but only have a 1/4 measuring cup. Third
used for mixed, common denominators, comparing, graders are expected to understand a fraction 1/b as
equivalent adding, and dividing fractions concepts. the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is parti-
tioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b
The app uses virtual manipulatives such as fraction as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b. There-
tiles and a fraction wall. Virtual manipulatives are fore, this app is at grade level. Children should con-
interactive ways for students to explore new ideas. I sider the relavance of mathematics as it applies to
suggest exposing students to physical concrete ma- their own lives.
nipulatives before virtual manipulatives first and
then bridging the concrete representations with the
abstract and symbolic through the virtual manipula- Everyday Mathematics
tives. Equivalent Fractions App
This fraction game
A strength of this is a way to practice
app is that it ad- and reinforce frac-
dresses the Common tion concepts and
Core standard use relationships.
appropriate tools
strategiacally. The The objective is to
tools of the cursor to match cards that
line up and compare have equivalent
fractions and the tile pieces visually clarify concepts fractions. The stu-
of fractions such as how many thirds are in a whole dent can drag the cards in play next to the cards in
or how many sixths are equal to one third. Another the array to compare them.
strength is that the virtual manipulatives are propor-
tional to help students visualize friactions accurate- A criticism of this is that it just focuses on visual
ly. matching, not reducing fractions or other methods
of determining that the fractions are equivalent. One
A critique of this app is that it does not bridge math- of the third grade math standards is to recognize and
ematical concepts to real-world application. I sug- generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4,
gest providing supplemental word problems to em- 4/6 = 2/3 and explain why the fractions are equiva-
bed fractions in a real-world context. To make this lent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model. This
app more conceptually rich, parents and guardians game reinforces the visual familiarity with equiva-
can provide children with problems they encounter lent fractions but does not highlight the conceptual

2
understanding necessary for students to generate
their own equivalent fractions with the correct nu-
merator and denomonator. Students might just eye-
ball the hight of the shaded part of the card instead
of understanding why 3/4 = 6/8.

Another
criticism is
that the app
removes
peer interac-
tion aspect
of playing a
game, so
students are Interactive Media
not able to demonstrate the standard of critiquing
the reasoning of others. Students are either wrong or
as a way to
right and do not communicate their reasoning or re- support your
ceive feedback from the app. However, a positive is
that the game format might heighten student interest childrens learning
and motivation to learn more about equivalent frac- in and out of the
tions in the hopes of winning the game.
classroom

USING TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS TO EXPAND AND DEEPEN

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF CONCEPTS

Interacting with technology such as the apps discussed above can provide meaningful learning ex-
periences for children to broaden their understanding of math concepts. However, it is important to
keep in mind the limitations of these apps. With parental or guardian support, students are capable
of solidifying their understaning of fractions beyond the iPad screen. I look forward to working
with you and your children to further develop their conceptual understanding of mathematics.