As we as an education system move more toward independent, student centered learning, incorporation of technology is rationale. My research has been broken down into online resources that can aid in specific subjects. The subject in focus is Mathematics. A quick google search will reveal numerous ‘Math Fun Games’ or Tutoring sites, but how as do you implement these as a teacher within your curriculum?

First let’s look at a more academic use of math sites, such as Khan Academy. Khan Academy is a well known as an online resource, that has step by step tutorials for mathematics from Pre-Kindergarten all the way through to University courses. Khan Academies method varies from age but tends to follow a pattern similar to ‘watching a video or multiple, responding to an online quiz based on the videos you just watched’. The quizes can range from simple equation/ response, graphic representation, or word problems. Khan Academy has the ability to track a students progress. Using this tracking feature allows teachers, to remotely monitor a students progress. Having the ability to both, remotely monitor as well as have students work at their level of ability allows for a dramatic increase in student differentiation. Khan Academy is an individual math journey that helps relieve Peer Pressure and Comparison, as each student works at their own pace. Khan Academy, also offers an alternative way of explaining a concept that differs from the teachers, which offers students who are not understanding another entry point.

 

Math Games, and their use within the classroom have been a common backbone when using websites during math. A longer term, progress tracking game is a cite called ‘Prodigy’. It is a video game, interactive math game that follows a students ability, similar to a ‘Level Unlock’. Math Playground is a popular site that is integrated with Google Classroom. Having the integration of Google Classroom, helps the teacher monitor who is participating and at which level ability. Even if the main focus of Math Games, is not to develop and further their mathematical ability, it allows students to become familiar in a positive way with numbers and operations. Any opportunity for students to interact with numbers in a more subliminal way helps ease math anxiety, which is well documented in aging students.

Having the variety of online resources helps both the teacher and students learn at their own level. Using Khan Academy or similar structured websites, can also help support students at home who require more time spent with operations to reach the ability of the rest of the class. It is an intuitive site, that EAs, ELL students, as well as parents can help their student succeed.