How I use digital curriculum in my math classroom

Prior to the COVID pandemic, technology integration in my high school math classroom was mainly used in two ways: discovery-based activities and homework assignments. Finding applicable resources for discovery-based learning that would fit into existing lesson plans was not always easy.

Along with that, the curriculum supplement that came with our new textbooks was starting to replace some of the traditional paper-and-pencil work that we had been doing. Being suddenly thrust into distance and hybrid learning situations for the next year and a half pushed me to find additional, more efficient ways to blend technology integration into my teaching.

In this article, I am going to briefly cover some of the tools and practices that I found to be most useful, in all classroom settings, as I continue to try to move toward an effective blended learning style.

There are two separate categories of technology when referring to teaching math. One being systems and tools such as graphing calculators and computer algebra systems (CAS), with the other being resources like web apps, Google tools, and curriculum supplements like ALEKS or IXL. The latter of those two is my focus here. Providing resources such as these, and implementing them successfully has a number of benefits for your learners, immediate feedback being right at the top of that list.

“[Instant feedback] helps a learner deepen their understanding. After they have given input (i.e. chosen an answer) instant feedback serves to reinforce knowledge by correcting mistakes, affirming competence or debunking misconceptions on the topic. The more frequent and consistently you provide feedback, the better,” (Markovic, n.d.).

I have found a number of tools that my students and myself enjoy using that provide rigorous, engaging material as well as immediate feedback in various forms.

Google has a number of different tools that can be utilized to create materials that will align with the ideas mentioned above. One way that I have used Google tools for this concept is by creating a choose-your-own-adventure math activity using Slides.

I have also seen Forms used for the same idea. I was able to put together a review activity where students were presented multiple choice questions on one slide at a time. If they choose the correct answer, they will be sent directly to the next question slide. However, if they choose any of the incorrect answers (here’s where the immediate feedback comes in), they are sent to a separate slide containing an example from our notes of a similar problem. Once they review the help from our notes, they are sent back to the question to try again. Creating this activity did take a bit of time and effort, but it was more than worth it! Being able to provide interactive material that incorporates notes and work that we did together in class is a fantastic combination for their engagement and recall.

Outside of creating your own resources, there are endless options of web tools that can be used in similar, sometimes even more efficient, ways.

The first tool that I’d like to highlight is DeltaMath. I came across DeltaMath around the beginning of the 2021-22 school year and was initially impressed with the enormous catalog of content, spanning from 6th grade all the way through calculus and computer science. I taught Algebra I and Geometry this past year and I have yet to come across any concepts we were teaching that DeltaMath didn’t have a question bank for. This has been a great resource for entrance and exit tickets, quick formative assessments, in-class check-ins, or even assigning homework. A bonus on the teaching side is the gradebook feature that can be viewed in a number of different ways.

Graspable Math is another tool that deserves a highlight. If you’ve ever taught any level of Algebra, you know the misconceptions and learning difficulties that often come with solving equations and factoring. These are the two main concepts that Graspable Math has found its way into my classroom. Whether you use it to do examples for your students or have students work through problems on their own, allowing students to visually see the physical combining and factoring of terms in both the solution and factoring processes is a feature I think we have all been searching for! This tool is great to use alongside in-class activities and discussions, as well as have students use as a resource when working individually.

As I’m sure most math teachers would agree, writing out solutions processes and putting pencil to paper is a part of math that cannot be eliminated. However, using these tools, as well as others like them, is not intended to replace anything in the math classroom. Rather, it is all meant to enhance engagement and deeper learning. Too many students rely on memorizing rules and procedures during their time in math classes just so they can “get-by.”

Technology integration in the math classroom is aimed at deepening these understandings, helping students to learn at a more theoretical and conceptual level through presentation and engagement across a wide range of learning styles. I encourage all of you to start searching for tools that both you and your students enjoy and are comfortable working with!