RUNNING HEADER: Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

The Use of Educational Technology in Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

Robert Fishel
Liberty University

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

Abstract
Instructional methods change with new technological developments. Teachers must also
remain educated on how to implement new instructional technology into their classroom.
Technology provides a unique opportunity for students to discover and learn educational
concepts in a new and creative way. Educational technology is not only being implemented to
improve instruction, but it can be used to improve communication as well. Technology allows
communication to happen so much faster than ever before; social media and e-mail provide
modes of communication that are sometimes instantaneous. The use of technology is growing
rapidly every year. Unless teachers are given an opportunity to learn the benefits of instructional
technology, technology will not be utilized appropriately. The internet, smartboards, educational
software, and instructional apps are all ways that technology is impacting classrooms.
Keywords: Math Education, Instructional Technology, Educational Software, Math Apps
.

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

The Use of Educational Technology in Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

There are many ways to enhance the learning environment for K-12 students in
mathematics. Instructional technology is one method for improving instruction that is growing
rapidly and providing new techniques to education. Teachers must understand the potential of
using these new technologies in their classrooms. For example, computer software programs,
digital cameras, smartboards, tablet applications, and Web 2.0 technologies on the internet
provide teachers with new instructional strategies that can help maximize achievement in
mathematics. New educational technologies can beneficial for English Language Learners
(ELL), exceptional education learners, and your typical mainstream student.
Computer Software
Introducing mathematical concepts begins at a very young age. Number recognition and
identifying shapes are examples of how math is presented to preschool and elementary age
students. Since mathematics explains how things work, students at a very young age begin to ask
questions that can be answered using math. Instructional computer games can be a fun way that
children enjoy playing while learning mathematical concepts. For example, the Lego My Style:
Preschool software is a program that teaches students numbers through the completion of
jigsaw puzzles (Buckleitner, 2001). The current generation of children uses technology every
day, and teachers must realize the opportunity that educational technology provides to increase
development and understanding for all students.
Math software that came out in the 1980s consisted on electronic worksheets that
provided students with additional drill and practice. In the late 1990s instructional software
became much more interactive and began to help students when they make mistakes. Newer
software is being designed to address different learning styles, and provide real-life problems to
help students understand the mathematical concepts better. For example, the Plato software is

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

loaded with different scenarios that require students to make calculations that will affect the
outcome of the scenario based on the students decisions (MacDonald, 1999).
Using video games is another way instructional software is changing education. For
example, Math Blaster Algebra uses animated gameplay that put math anxiety at ease for
students as they play the program (MacDonald, 1999). The development of instructional
software has evolved into course management systems that are utilized in virtual schools to
address the specific needs of students nationwide.
Math is a subject that is often thought of in a negative capacity, but using computers can
help students visualize mathematical concepts and help students understand real-life
applications. Most computer aided programs provide students with immediate feedback during
an exercise. In addition to seeing what the student did right and wrong, students are also guided
through problem solving situations through various software applications. As a whole the
implementation of educational technology is rapidly growing and has the ability to have a
positive effect in the classroom.
Internet
One of the most powerful technological advances in education has been the internet. The
internet provides students with access to resources that was never possible. In addition to new
resources, the internet is filled with Web 2.0 technologies that can impact the learning
environment for students. Web 2.0 technologies refer to blogging, wiki pages, podcasting, social
networking, and virtual worlds (Simonson, 2012). All of these new technologies help students
collaborate and connect with each other outside of the classroom. One study shows the valuable
potential of integrating technology by creating instructional videos on an iPod touch with an
eighth grade math class (Franklin, 2008). In this research, the students created instructional

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

videos describing the concept of slope, absolute value, and elimination. The students experience
how difficult it was to explain mathematical concepts while creating their respective videos
(Franklin, 2008). This activity shows how integrating technology allows content to become
student-centered, and how the students can take charge of their learning process. Students used
the iPod touch three days a week for this study, and this activity allowed them to learn how to
create a video as well as review a math concept (Franklin, 2008). Overall this research displayed
how incorporating technology into a classroom can positively impact the learning environment.
For example, creating an instructional movie got the students to take ownership of their
education because they were required to reflect on the math content being taught. This activity
provided teachers with a unique opportunity to evaluate their pedagogy as well. Since the
students made videos from the content being taught, concepts that were portrayed poorly helped
the teacher understand what concepts needed more emphasis (Franklin, 2008). Another way that
this project had a positive impact on the learning experience was teaching a skill outside of the
content area to reinforce math. Technology can be implemented as a form of differentiated
instruction to transform a lesson to provide students with a clearer understanding of
mathematical concepts.
Another example of the benefits of the internet can be seen in a study where college
professors and elementary teachers collaborated to integrate writing with mathematics to
improve understanding using e-mail (Tichenor, 2001). In this study elementary children wrote
math emails to university students, who responded with conceptual math questions. The college
students were told ahead of time what concepts were being taught to the 2nd graders and they
would ask the students open-ended questions and problem specific questions. This study
demonstrated the importance of conceptual understanding for the content. This use of technology

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

also allowed the college students to see how a classroom is made up of a diverse group of
learners when they compared the e-mails they received with each other (Tichenor, 2001).
Understanding math is very important, and being able to incorporate writing and computer skills
into a lesson will improve student achievement.
Diverse Learners
Educational software can positively affect mathematical achievement of minority groups.
In a study conducted in 2005, the researchers examine the effects of using computer games in 4th
grade mathematics (Chang, 2010). The research examined how the games effected achievement
in different linguistic groups, and by gender. The results show that students in a classroom that
incorporate game playing improved academic achievement in mathematics. In a previous study
between boys and girls, the results show an increased level of interest and achievement in male
students over female students (Chang, 2010). The level of interest was measured based on the
frequency and time logged playing the computer games during the students free time. Using a
survey, girls were more interested in creative and explorative play, while boys prefer active and
strategic play (Chang, 2010). Overall achievement was improved across both genders when
computer games were implemented.
The research conducted also showed statistically significant improvement for male
English Language Learners (ELL) students that used the computer software daily (Chang, 2010).
This research demonstrated that given the right circumstances, computer games can positively
impact mathematical achievement for ELL students. The results of the study demonstrate the
importance of why teachers must understand the needs of their students. Educational technology
is not designed to replace teachers, but simply equip them with new ways to improve student
learning.

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

In another study, researchers compared low-risk and at-risk students learning math facts
using software called Math Facts in a Flash (Stickney, 2012). This learning software designed
by Renaissance uses computerized assessments to test a students skills in addition and
subtraction. The assessment record the students speed and accuracy, which is used to determine
when student has reached mastery of a skill (Stickney, 2012). The study showed that a students
general math performance improved when a student reached mastery using the Math Facts in a
Flash software. Students that were low-risk reached mastery quicker than higher risk students,
but all students benefited from this program (Stickney, 2012). This research shows the
importance of creating learning expectations for your students based on their individual needs.
Technology provides teachers with another resource for differentiating instruction to meet the
needs of their students.
Teacher Preparation
Implementation of technology can contribute to meaningful learning. The National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) believes that integrating technology in
mathematical instruction is vital for increasing student achievement (Fang, 2010). Some of the
best technology resources include Smartboards, document cameras, and projectors. These
technologies can be used to engage and educate students every day, but require new teachers to
possess the skills to utilize the technology successfully. Designing lessons where students utilize
instructional technologies allows the learner to take ownership of their learning because the
content is presented in a student-centered method (Fang, 2010).
Teachers implement classroom technologies in different ways. Some teachers lack the
skills required to fully enhance their learning environment with todays technological
advancements. Schools must be dedicated to providing teachers with professional development

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

opportunities to integrate instructional technologies into their classrooms. For example,

document cameras can be used to showcase a students achievement, which allows a teacher to
positively reinforce a students success. Smartboards utilize the internet and have the capability
of show students geometry applications. These applications help educate the visual learner by
using computer graphics to demonstrate a concept. A teacher can also have their class work in a
computer lab to conduct research, and give presentations to the class on they have learned.
Students love to use technology, and when given the chance they will take ownership of their
learning. Technology adds to the positive learning environment by equipping teachers with new
and interesting instructional methods.
The teacher preparation program at Georgia State University began to teach their students
how to use and implement scanners, digital cameras, presentation programs, laser discs, and
computer software into their classrooms in 1997 (Weinburgh, 1997). The preparation these
students were given prepared them to utilize technology today, and is a concept that schools need
to consider with professional development. For example, a teacher that has been teaching for 20
years began their career when implementing technology consisted of using an overhead projector
to help student take notes. Educational technology has not changed the role of teachers; instead it
equips them with a new skill set to deliver instructional content. Teachers must continue to seek
educating students by meeting their needs. The biggest difference today is that students need to
have and possess skills using technology to be successful after they graduate. Therefore, teachers
must seek opportunities to implement technology in their classroom to successfully prepare their
students for the future.
Educational Apps
The newest educational technologies are being created as apps for tablets and smartphone

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

platforms. These apps are designed to run on android operating systems or Macintosh systems.
Some apps require a payment, but many apps are available free of charge. Calculators are one
type of app that is useful for math class. For example, a graphing calculator costs around one
hundred dollars at most stores, but a graphing calculator app can be downloaded for free
(Croucher, 2012). Most tablets, and smartphones have the ability to connect to the internet as
well, therefore, websites like Wolfram Alpha (http://www.wolframalpha.com/) are accessible to
students that possess these technologies. Wolfram Alpha is similar to google for mathematical
calculations, the student inputs the problem, and receives a possible solution (Croucher, 2012). In
addition to accessing homework help and graphing calculators, there are apps that can be used to
even replace homework. Since schools are beginning to issue out tablets to students, an app
called Math Fact Master App can be used to quiz students on addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. This app also uses student profiles that keep track of the students
results, which can be attached to an email. Although iPads are not issued out to students at every
school, educational apps are available and can be utilized to enhance the learning environment
for students.
The United States recently adopted the common core standards, and since educational
standards have changed, app developers have begun to align apps to these standards as well
(Wurman, 2012). For example, an app called Motion Math is designed for grade level 3-5, and
addresses the skills required in numbers and operations cluster (Windman, 2013). The
development of apps is not reinventing mathematics, but simply reinforcing the skills that
students need to be successful. Teachers can utilize this technology to encourage students to
study and as a new way to remediate students that are struggling.

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

10

Conclusion
Instructional technology can positively affect the learning environment for math students.
Educational technology is evolving and changing every year, and new instructional methods are
emerging as a result. Students not only desire to be taught with the latest technologies, but
perform higher when technology is integrated into the classroom. Since technological
advancements provide students with an improved learning environment, teachers must strive
remain highly trained on the latest technology available. Maximizing achievement for all
students in mathematics is the goal of every teacher in every classroom, and if interactive
software, or smartboards, or tablet apps are available they should be integrated to improve the
education todays youth.

Maximizing Student Achievement in Mathematics

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