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Essay / SMART Boards for Developing Math Skills - 1126
Mathematics is one of the core subjects taught in primary school and is a necessity for overall academic survival. Young learners' future understanding of mathematics requires an early foundation based on high-quality, challenging and accessible mathematics instruction (NCTM, 2013). An engaging and encouraging learning environment helps children develop confidence in their ability to understand and use mathematics. However, mathematics proves to be a difficult subject for many students. In a world filled with technology, it has become increasingly important to integrate technology-based teaching into the classroom. As new technologies enter the classroom, the question arises of how these technologies can be used to develop mathematics skills. When teachers use these technologies strategically, they can provide greater access to mathematics for all students. This article will examine the use of SMART Boards to facilitate math learning and develop math skills. Literature Review Unlike other technologies seen in classrooms, SMART Boards were designed for whole-class instruction and active engagement. The interactive nature of advanced technology and software allows teachers to generate activities for students that are engaging, meaningful, and enlightening (Riska, 2010). The SMART Board captures students' attention in a unique way and engages them in interactive learning. Students and teachers are able to write directly on the screen using special pens and/or their finger and can manipulate text and images, view videos, formulate graphs and diagrams, and design lively and creative presentations. Interactive whiteboard technology such as the SMART Board helps students with different learning styles learn more effectively (Savo...... middle of article ......from http://practicalinteractivity.edublogs .org/files/2008/04/using_iwbs_to_enhance_maths_teaching.pdfLadislaw, J (2008) Using SMART boards for smarter teaching and learning Retrieved from http://eduaction.pages.tcnj.edu/files/2012/. 11/Use-of-Smart-Boards.pdfNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2013, October). org/about/content.aspx?id=12590Riska, PA (2010) On the growth in mathematics achievement of gifted learners. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1424&context=doctoralSavoie. , M. (2008). Mathematical motivation with smart board technology. Retrieved from http://downloads01.smarttech.com/media/sitecore/en/pdf/research_library/math/math_motivation_with_smart_board_technology.pdf.