One Step Further (ICT Integration)
ICT resources for maths teachers
Trying out maths software
There is a wide range of educational software avalaible for mathematics teachers. Some of this software is educationally sound, but at times the software is not well-designed. It would not be possible to gain a full understanding of educational software in one workshop, but you will be able to consider the main evaluation criteria using the evaluation tool provided as you learn more about the various mathematics software that you could use.
By the end of this activity you could achieve the following outcomes:
- Install and use mathematics educational software
- Evaluate mathematics educational software
- Identify ways in which the learners could use the software most effectively
2 hours
Follow these steps to complete these activities. Look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom. You could search for and download mathematics software or use mathematics software that is already installed on your computer.
Description | Resources | |
1 | If necessary, download freeware or shareware software of your choice and install it. Alternatively, identify educational software that is already installed on your computer. (15 - 30 min)
Ensure that you understand what basic educational software category. Read the resource file to guide you. Knowing what category the software falls into will influence which guidelines you will use in the next step of this activity. |
» Click here to read about educational software and categories » Click here for a list of mathematics software demonstrations |
2 | Work in pairs (45-60 min)
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» Criteria for evaluating educational software » Click here to evaluate outcomes-based principles |
3 | Identify and list which learning outcomes or assessment standards these resources are most likely to support. | |
4 | Form groups of between 4-8 teachers (45-60 min)
Share your educational software evaluations with your colleagues and demonstrate parts of the programme to show the best features. |
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5 | Work on your own (between workshops)
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6 | Community of teachers
Join the Partners in Learning Network and find a community of teachers online. |
» Go to the Partners in Learning Network |
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