How should technology be used in Mathematics and Science teaching and learning?

In SPN 21, technology is important to use in teaching and learning so that it is in line with the rapid technological advancements and globalisation. It helps to enrich the educational experience.

There are many approaches teachers can apply technology in teaching Science and Maths. Few examples include:

• Interactive White Board (IWB) is usually used for demonstration and interactive exercises.
• Software program, like Microsoft Word, is also available that helps pupils to create graphs easily and faster. Microsoft Excel can also be used to do basic mathematical operations activities such as Addition and Subtraction. Another software is Kidpix. There are varieties of activities can be done using this software such as insert shapes and colours.
  
• To make the lesson more lively, online games are readily accessible from websites. Examples of online games for primary pupils can be viewed here.
• The use of World-wide web (www.) also helps in giving additional information and animated images so that pupils are able to understand better and visualize mathematical and Science concepts. In Science textbooks, website addresses are provided for further references of the topics. Therefore, teachers should encourage pupils to access the website during the lesson and on their own time.
  
• In addition, some topics are provided with teaching tools, such as CD-Rom, where the Powerpoint presentations are ready to be used by teachers.
  

The use of technology, however, depends on teachers to choose the most appropriate way in delivering each lesson. Of course, there are few factors that need to be considered such as:

• time - whether the lesson can be completed within the time allocated with the chosen technology,
  
• teachers' confidence in using the chosen technology - ensure they are mastered in it,
  
• prior preparation - whether the teacher can equip the pupils with needed technology and whether the chosen technology can meet the lesson objectives.