Primary Mathematics: Capitalising on ICT for Today and Tomorrow

Abstract

Teachers are searching for a resource that will address issues surrounding the implementation of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics within the broad and ever-changing context of their particular classroom setting. To meet this need, this book is grounded in empirically evidenced developmental models and linked closely to practical classroom practice. While many classrooms have been resourced with equipment such as computers, interactive whiteboard (IWB) technology and mobile devices, extensive professional development is required to enable these pieces of technological equipment to be transformed into teaching tools. The difficulty faced by the teaching profession is in integrating a wide range of hands-on concrete materials with information and communication technology (ICT) to weave a pedagogically sound learning sequence. Technological change has occurred at an extremely fast pace, which means that many educators across the field, without sufficient development of skills in this area, have been forced into adopting teacher-centred techniques in an effort to use the provided technologies. This book provides the opportunity to face this challenge and provide mathematics teachers with detailed teaching activities that are designed with developmental models as their basis. It does not pretend to deliver everything you need to know about teaching primary mathematics. Its focus is on the sensible and achievable integration of technology with research-based approaches to mathematical development that provide for the mathematical needs of all learners. As such, it is intended for primary pre-service teachers, and those teachers already working in the classroom who want to use a range of technologies in meaningful and educationally sound ways to improve their mathematics teaching.