Technology in a 5th Grade Math Classroom - Essay Example

Technology in a 5th Grade Math room Technological understanding is the need of time as it is paving its way in all aspects of life. Learning becomes all the more fun when lessons are introduced in an innovative manner with animations, videos, 3-D pictures, PowerPoint presentations in this technological era. Mathematics is considered as a complicated subject, but at the same time mathematical understanding is considered as the key to success since it opens the door for various aspects of thoughtfulness. 5th grade is the foundation of academic curriculum. Children are able to perform numerous tasks academically as well as in their extra-curricular activities at the age of 10-11 years. With the introduction of latest technologies at this age, it is going to add feather in their caps and will lay a strong foundation for all the subsequent years and throughout their lives. Key words: Mathematics, technology, Internet, extracurricular, innovation Introduction Learning is a continuous process, with the advent of scientific technology and innovative methods in teaching; learning has become all the more fun. Institutions are therefore relying on information technology to endow students with skills necessary to express themselves in a better way as well as to internalize and recognize conceptual understanding and formulas. The features support contemporary education which has already gone global. As mathematics is the spine of all technical subjects, appropriate understanding makes it easy in incorporating the remaining subjects. In 5th grade, an introduction to basic mathematics is provided which lays the platform for complex formulas of higher grades. Integration of technology and technical know-how stimulates budding minds of young students in many ways as they start enjoying intricate math problems in subsequent levels. Students of 5th grade are introduced to basic formulas they are required to know and master for future applications. Children’s early approaches to learning (ATL) improve their adaptability to the requirements of schooling. Early approach to learning was found to be beneficial for children irrespective of their race and ethnicity (Li-Grining et al., 2010). To promote learning, schools have replaced the typical chalkboards with electronic white boards that make it easy for tutors to perform a variety of functions at the same time. This is not only healthy but efficient since learners and teachers can effectively interact with each other using web cameras if the teacher is not in the class. Math requires great brain power because it is derived from the mind, highlighting the fact that learning environment must be accommodative to stimulate creativity in pupils. Most empirical research findings indicate that a good number of 5th grade pupils are slow learners especially in math, because they need an in-depth explanation and a congenial learning environment enabling them to attain perfection. Computer technology promotes thinking and understanding of learners by mastering concepts. There are instructional videos and tutorials that take learners through all the necessary steps in understanding concepts like decimals, addition and subtraction in this case. It is evident that learners in 5th grade have computer proficiency. Children have access to drill and practice programs through which they get instant feedback about a finished task. This not only helps them to build confidence but also boost the morale of the child (Your fifth grader and technology, n.d.). In 5th grade, most learners are aged between ten and eleven years. Pre-adolescence stage makes such learners curious to try out new things, some of which can be extremely irritating before adults. They destroy expensive equipments because they are eager to understand the basic principles behind their operations. Since it is a technological era, such learners know a lot about play station games, movies and music. This implies they know some basics about computer applications if not booting and shutting the machines down. This is a critical skill. Without knowing how to navigate through a computer, phone or tablet, it can pose danger into effective learning. On an average, lot of students can type, Skype, edit a word document and save. However, skills that must be taught begin with safety when dealing with machines. Social cognitive models which examine the career as well as academic outcomes stress upon the features like self-efficacy, attitude and interest for student’s quest of STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) career and courses. 5th graders and college students are reported to get maximum support from teachers. Research reveals that students getting greater social support for subjects like math and science from teachers, parents and friends develop positive attitudes towards these subjects and greater sense of competence (Rice et al., 2013) and therefore, students of 5th grade must be introduced with the latest technologies of learning in classroom. As indicated, learners at this stage are adventurous and experimental. Since not all of them might have a good experience with typing, tutors must equip learners with effective typing skills so that they attain a standard typing speed. Another key requirement is researching skill. Since the lessons require internet research, learners must be equipped with these skills for easy data excavation from online resources. Critical analysis is another important skill that learners must be introduced to. They need to learn how to extract data and provide original feedbacks without plagiarizing content. Having been introduced to the mentioned skills, tutors have a task of familiarizing learners with basic spreadsheet application, calculations using computer and scientific calculators in doing math problems. Curriculum based measurement (CBM) is utilized to carry out research in education especially to monitor reading and mathematics which could be useful for the development of mathematics problem solving (Montague et al., 2010). Decimals can be challenging especially to beginners. They have to help them understand concept of rounding off figure to the nearest decimal figure. A key skill that every tutor must make sure it prevails is a judgmental skill of learner which enables them to differentiate between wrong and right answers. This also makes it simple for them to validate principles and make proper conclusions. According to Bloom’s Taxonomy, there are six learning objectives; knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Learners are in class to gain knowledge. Therefore, teachers must encourage effective techniques of recognition and recalling facts. Teachers make sure students can recite, recall, identify and match pictures and diagrams. Comprehension is the second objective according to the Bloom Taxonomy. This demands a good understanding on the already memorized facts. This means learners can make clear explanations, paraphrase such ideas into their own unique content and make interpretations (The Center for Teaching and Learning, 2014). In application, learners must possess the ability to correctly use facts and ideas. This can be evident through accuracy in calculation; can come up with models and comprehensive solutions. Analysis involves critical breakdown of information into independent sections that can still relate to the original meaning, evidently, through contravention of information, making illustrations using diagrams and classifying data accordingly. Self regulation serves as a key for adaptive and healthy children’s development. Working memory, flexible attention and inhibitory control could be managed by self-regulation (McClelland & Cameron, 2011). Synthesizing information involves bringing together sections to design innovatively. This requires deriving formulas, composing ideas, designing and making modifications and even inventing. Evaluation is the ability to make judgment and classify information according to its worth. In this category, learners relate ideas, defend their stands, make judgments, draw justifications and convince other users. Technological companies have ganged up to support learning processes in schools. They understand that learners need to stay up to date so that they can cope up with competitive pace running across the globe. 5th grade is the right time to integrate technology since at such levels learners have a fresh and keen interest to utilize such information. Even though some parts appear to respond slowly to such changes, most schools have appreciated the integration. Teachers therefore have to be a step ahead in making sure they can effectively deliver the content even with technology in use (Greenman et al., 2011; Sakiz et al., 2012). In a technology-enriched classroom, the 5th grader uses numerous tools to enhance their subject skills especially mathematics. These skills involves computer software, internet, digital cameras, voice recorders etc where students could explore their potential. These skills enable the child to learn multimedia presentations and provide them with thorough understanding of the subjects including mathematics especially HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills). A 5th grader incorporates the terminologies used in technology in the vocabulary and this enables them to be more techno-friendly, keeping abreast with the latest trend (Your fifth grader and technology, n.d.). Conclusion Technology is the most imperative aspect in learning. Math specifically requires good technological integration to facilitate quick and long term memorization of formulas, concepts and critical analysis of problems. From the discussion above, it is clear that for technology to be effective in a 5th grade classroom, learners must be equipped with basic skills that enable them to use the technology effectively. Learners of 5th grade possess high learning abilities and are always curious to experiment. However, care must be taken to make sure positive transition applies. This is because any little misinformation can under motivate them from achieving their goals in life. By utilizing Bloom taxonomy, it can be easy for learners to objectively attain their learning interests. The Taxonomy suggests the parameters like knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation play key role in promoting education in 5th grade classrooms. It is therefore important that schools integrate technology in math and also in other subjects gradually to develop conceptual understanding in children. Moreover, technology is a critical determinant in shaping the understanding of a child not only in mathematics but also in other technical subjects. References Greenman, E., Bodovski, K., Reed, K. (2011). Neighborhood Characteristics, Parental Practices and Children’s Math Achievement in Elementary School. Soc Sci Res, 40(5), 1434-1444. Li-Grining, C. P., Votruba-Drzal, E., Maldonado-Carreno, C., Hass, K. (2010). Children’s early approaches to learning and academic trajectories through fifth grade. Dev. Psychol, 46(5), 1062-77. McClelland, M. M. & Cameron, C. E. (2011). Self-regulation and academic achievement in elementary school children. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev. 2011(133), 29-44. Montague, M., Penfield, R.D., Enders, C., Huang, J. (2010). Curriculum-based measurement of math problem solving: a methodology and rationale for establishing equivalence of scores. J Sch Psychol. 48(1), 39-52. Rice, L., Barth, J.M., Guadagno, R. E., Smith, G. P., McCallum, D. M., ASERT. (2013). The role of social support in students’perceived abilities and attitudes toward math and science. J Youth Adolesc, 42(7), 1028-40. Sakiz, G., Pape, S.J., Hoy, A.W. (2012). Does perceived teacher affective support matter for middle school students in mathematics classrooms. J Sch Psychol, 50(2), 235-55. The Center for Teaching and Learning (2014). Writing Objectives Using Bloom’s Taxonomy. Retrieved on 11 November, 2014 from: http://teaching.uncc.edu/learning- resources/articles- books/best- practice/goals-objectives/writing-objectives. Your fifth grader and technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/students/academic-skills/423-fifth-grade-technology.gs. Read More