Using Technologies in Teaching Math

I have a love and hate feelings towards technologies. I find them scary; something without a brain and yet so much cleverer. On the other hand, I love them because they are undeniably helpful and make life so much easier. (Remember those days without handphones!)  I don’t want to avoid technologies because it is now a big part of our life. NCTM states that “Technology is an essential tool for learning mathematics in the 21st century, and all schools must ensure that all their students have access to technology.” For this section, I am going to share and reflect upon the ICT Master Plan introduced and developed by MOE.

The ICT (Information and communication Technology) Master Plan’s vision is to enrich and transform the learning environments of out student and equip them with the critical competencies and disposition in order to succeed in a knowledge economy. A few of the schools are already using these programs to enhance students’ learning. The number of schools which includes primary schools will be increased by 2015.

When I first knew that there would be such program in our primary schools, I felt uncomfortable. I was afraid that teachers would be replaced and children would be emotionless for they are taught by brainless technologies. However, after reading more about it, I was surprised to know that the program focuses on the importance of the empowerment of schools and teachers. Principals, teachers, the industry experts and the parents are all involved.  The teachers are the heart of the innovations; the use of technology cannot replace conceptual understanding, or problem-solving skills. In this kind of innovative classroom, teacher has an added responsibility to make knowledgeable decision so that students can use technologies in a meaningful and an effective way. Hence a greater emphasis is in placed to ensure that teachers get professional training in the relevant area.  

This makes me wonder how all this would affect or influence the Early Childhood Education since we are preparing our pre-schoolers for formal education. I believe that as a teacher, I must remain open to learning new technologies. Hopefully, before any of these implementations in the Early Childhood classrooms, there would be sufficient training for the teachers so we will be able to implement them effectively in a balanced instructional program.