Math and Technology, USA

Hi, Kelly: What age are your students? I had a good experience teaching social studies and geography using the internet to do research with a fifth grader who had a VERY low attention span, poor grades, no interest in class. We used it to research to most arcane subjects that HE was interested in.

I am mostly a bit of a Luddite when it comes to using technology (computers) to replace human contact. That seemed to be the most important factor in bringing struggling learners "up to Speed". Plugging them in to computer games or programs where they're expected to work alone is counterproductive. It's the one on one time that helps the most whether you're typing with them or writing, looking at a screen or a book.

I assumed by technology you meant computers?

Kathy Fraser

I'm teaching mathematics in secondary level. I've got lots of slow learner students. Computer Aided Instruction somehow helps but still, teachers' efficiency and motivation directly affects the learning process.

Hi,

I'm teaching English to students of different levels. Some of those students are low performers yet I tried hard to raise their abilities and I sometimes used technology, but the great effort lies on me and the way I used to get them interested in my subject. Thank you very much for your good opinion.

Hi,

I'm Amanda. I'm a teacher. What you can do is to see what they all ready know, then continue on from that, then go up levels each time they understand and get 100% in everything.

from Amanda

Hi!

I have taught all levels of math over the years, well, secondary levels.

You don't mention what age level you're interested in. But from what I have seen, there is a lot of good computer software out there which covers basic concepts in math. It allows underachievers to work on similar types of problems at their own pace. And usually the material is presented as a game so that the student is not bored practicing basic arithmetic skills. If you can find the "fun" software in math, then I would recommend using it. Years ago, one company called Sunburst produced some very good programs of this kind. I am not sure if they are still in business. Probably they are.

I would check with your math department chair or if you are in grammar school, call up the department chair over at the nearest junior high or high school and ask them for suggestions.

Regards,

Allison

Hi kelly,

I teach low level adults aged 31 to 58 years (male & female) ESL in Australia. Today I took them to the local library for an excursion. They really like the computers and this time I set them up on the following website.

http://www.learn-english.co.il

Its best if you have head phones, we didnt so I started them off on the alphabet and got them to practice repeating after me the pronunciation of the letters.

There is 40 topics to play around with and you can get the students to write the words down in their exercise book at the same time as reading and speaking.

Later back in class we used some of the more basic words to write sentences and I gave them a task for home work. Students dont like homework but they know they have to do it anyway the next day in class. So some get their daughters and sons to help them at home and come the next day   feeling  superior to the lazy ones who never try hard.

Its slow work but I give a lot of positive strokes and students say I am a good teacher, that makes me feel really good too.

Hope you can find your oyster in the classroom too, any way please write and let me know know if anything I said here was of help to you?

Regards

Frank

frank_oldfield@epals.com

Hi,

I know its scary but I've found a lot of success in letting the students dictate what they want to learn and what type of reward they should get for their effort (ie a game on Fridays, outdoor math games). Technology is good because there are many free websites (funbrain.com, etc.) that allow the students to practice without correction by the teacher or in front of peers.

Finally, confidence is always a big factor in math. Start easy and let them master something even if it below grade level. If possible have them help each other to build their confidence.

Hope it helps and good luck,

Amy :)

In my classroom, I use an interactive smartboard along with a projector (