Reason 2: Enhancing Children's Understanding (Maths)
In the class, most of the children are facing difficulty in understanding some abstract mathematical principles and concepts. However, integrating ICTs into Mathematics will assist children in understanding a particular concept of Maths well and clear. Obviously, Mathematics in classroom today has changed with the availability of wide range of ICT resources. Sue and Surtees (2010) mentions that the computer is viewed as a ‘value added’ component of teaching and learning as it provides n extra dimension to the classroom. For instance, teachers are using PowerPoint Software to scaffold children's understanding which is acted as a value added component. According to Oldknow, Taylor and Tetlow (2010), models and images that aid children in Mathematics concept formation as basic foundation which is so important for children at the young age.
Instead of using laptops for merely presenting PowerPoint slides, the learning software (computer games) can be introduced to the children as part of their mathematics lessons to develop or consolidate the particular concept that is being taught. The children can take turn in working on two laptop computers which available in the classroom.
Having computers in early childhood classroom is so common in the 21st century, but making good use of computers to enhance children’s learning is the critical issue. As Anthony & Walshaw (2009) stress, computers are an integral part of learning and teaching when used naturally inside the classroom environment and applied appropriately by teachers.
Instead of using laptops for merely presenting PowerPoint slides, the learning software (computer games) can be introduced to the children as part of their mathematics lessons to develop or consolidate the particular concept that is being taught. The children can take turn in working on two laptop computers which available in the classroom.
Having computers in early childhood classroom is so common in the 21st century, but making good use of computers to enhance children’s learning is the critical issue. As Anthony & Walshaw (2009) stress, computers are an integral part of learning and teaching when used naturally inside the classroom environment and applied appropriately by teachers.
Early Years Learning Software (Online or Computer Games):
Van de Walle (2010) has categorized the Maths Learning Software (Computer Games) into three main groups, namely concept instruction, drill & reinforcement and problem solving.
1. Concept Instruction
A growing number of programs make an effort to offer conceptual instruction. According to Yelland (2002), a research data has revealed that mathematical understandings can be promoted and practiced in computer games.
For Example:
Gamequarium
It is a fun learning site for teachers and students featuring thousands of free educational games and activities that are organized by subject, topic, theme, and grade.
Van de Walle (2010) has categorized the Maths Learning Software (Computer Games) into three main groups, namely concept instruction, drill & reinforcement and problem solving.
1. Concept Instruction
A growing number of programs make an effort to offer conceptual instruction. According to Yelland (2002), a research data has revealed that mathematical understandings can be promoted and practiced in computer games.
For Example:
Gamequarium
It is a fun learning site for teachers and students featuring thousands of free educational games and activities that are organized by subject, topic, theme, and grade.
2. Drill & Reinforcement
Children often find math practice to be boring and have difficulty paying attention in class. However, by incorporate math drills into the Maths lessons, children can practice their math skills with games without feeling boredom. Drill programs allow children to practice with skills that are assumed to have been previously taught (Van de Walle, 2010). It poses questions that are answered directly or by selecting from a multiple choices list which evaluates responses immediately. Many of these are set in arcade formats that make them exciting for children who like video games. Below is the example of online games for Maths especially in drill and reinforcement.
For example:
Sheppard Software
20 Free Online Math Games for Students
Children often find math practice to be boring and have difficulty paying attention in class. However, by incorporate math drills into the Maths lessons, children can practice their math skills with games without feeling boredom. Drill programs allow children to practice with skills that are assumed to have been previously taught (Van de Walle, 2010). It poses questions that are answered directly or by selecting from a multiple choices list which evaluates responses immediately. Many of these are set in arcade formats that make them exciting for children who like video games. Below is the example of online games for Maths especially in drill and reinforcement.
For example:
Sheppard Software
20 Free Online Math Games for Students
3. Problem Solving
With the current focus on problem solving, more software publishers purport to teach children to solve problem. The following website is to encourage them to develop their problem-solving strategies.
For Example:
Kids Math Games Online
With the current focus on problem solving, more software publishers purport to teach children to solve problem. The following website is to encourage them to develop their problem-solving strategies.
For Example:
Kids Math Games Online
Example of suggested ICT
Interactive Whiteboard
Due to the limited amount of laptops in the classroom which only allow two pairs of children using it, it is suggested that the school should start thinking of investing interactive whiteboards.
Benefits
By having interactive whiteboard, it allows a child to interact with learning software at the front of a class rather than from the laptops computer. It is a combination of computer, touch sensitive whiteboard, and a LCD projector integrated into a system that provides exponential benefits over any one component alone. According to Wood and Ashfield (2008), the computer screen is projected onto the electronic whiteboard and presented to the class with the teacher and children, selecting, activating and interacting with the programs effectively.
Interactive Whiteboard
Due to the limited amount of laptops in the classroom which only allow two pairs of children using it, it is suggested that the school should start thinking of investing interactive whiteboards.
Benefits
By having interactive whiteboard, it allows a child to interact with learning software at the front of a class rather than from the laptops computer. It is a combination of computer, touch sensitive whiteboard, and a LCD projector integrated into a system that provides exponential benefits over any one component alone. According to Wood and Ashfield (2008), the computer screen is projected onto the electronic whiteboard and presented to the class with the teacher and children, selecting, activating and interacting with the programs effectively.