Using technology for math is becoming a much more widely accepted idea for improving math literacy. Children enjoy math significantly more when presented as a game. Children become more engaged in the topic and are more willing to learn new concepts. Introducing technology as a resource in math can start as early as kindergarten. In my research I found three apps that would significantly help math literacy. “Moose Math” is an app that is quite simple and would be used for the start of kindergarten to refresh the idea of counting and identifying numbers. It is mainly focused on the child counting out the different fruits and teaches a few different skills while doing this. The child has to identify the number on the screen, be able to identify and match which fruit to which number as well as count and put the appropriate ammount in the blender. Although the app seems simple to me the variety of cognitive processes at work would be helpful for the start of kindergarten. The app makes you feel like you are playing a game and encourages the child as they play. I believe this app could be helpful for the very start of kindergarten and allow the reintroduction of math to be effective. Most Reviews of the app high light that it is self guided learning, reinforces oral number literacy, practices Counting skills and introduces the idea of addition/ subtraction.
Another affective app that has multiple different skills at work is called “Park Math”. This app uses a variety of different skills starting with counting in the first activity, addition in the second, evening out a scale, subtraction, and smallest to greatest, patterning and finally counting. These activities slowly get more difficult and require a variety of cognitive functions such as problem solving, recognizing key differences and counting. Each activity allows the student to play a fun game while improving math literacy. Integrating applications such as these into the classroom could encourage at home practice, general interest in math and math literacy.
When Gracen and her teaching partner Mikaela visited a grade one classroom math applications were used as a reward for children who were quiet and listened well. The children stay engaged longer than others who were doing activities on a worksheet or on the board. Overall integrating math applications in the classroom can help with student engagement.
