When adhering to a reformed mathematics curriculum it is imperative that technology is made available and readily accessible to all students. According to the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Òtechnology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances student learning (24). Thus, we should provide students technology by having all of the types of technology in the classroom and in the curriculum. Graphing calculators, computers, mathematical computer programs, and CBRÕs are all types of technology that should be available for students to use to explore mathematical concepts. Technology also allows students to examine more real life examples and provide visual models which enables students to execute routine procedures quickly and spend more time conceptualizing, understanding, and modeling (NCTM 25). Thus, students will be more likely to see the relevance for the mathematics they are learning. This will result in an increase in motivation and as a direct result a decrease in the amount of behavioral issues that erupt in the classroom. Consequently, by providing students the opportunity to use technology and explore real life situations, students will be more likely to Òmanage themselvesÓ which will require teachers to spend less time on discipline or classroom management.
|