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20170503 TRIASI workshop 2017 Exploring Customisable Math Apps 3

 

Briefing Document: Exploring Customisable Math Apps Workshop

1. Overview

This document summarizes the key aspects of the "Exploring Customisable Math Apps" workshop, held on May 3, 2017, as part of the TRIASI workshop series. The workshop focused on introducing educators to open-source, customizable math apps that can be used to enhance student learning through activity-based exploration of mathematical concepts. The primary aim was to equip teachers with the skills to use and modify these apps to meet specific learning needs.

2. Main Themes

  • Customization: The core theme is the customizability of the provided math applications. This customization is enabled by the open-source nature of the code, allowing teachers to modify the apps using tools like "Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool," "DuDaMath," and "GeoGebra." This ensures that the apps can be tailored to various classroom scenarios and individual student needs. As the workshop description states, "customisation is possible due to the open source code license."
  • Activity-Based Learning: The workshop emphasizes the use of these math apps within an activity-based learning framework. The aim is to move away from passive learning by allowing students to "experiment, explore and construct meanings and understandings between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas."
  • Open Educational Resources (OER): The workshop is deeply rooted in the philosophy of OER, promoting the use of freely available educational tools. These resources, particularly the math apps, are designed to be accessible and adaptable, encouraging a collaborative and shared approach to teaching. The workshop directly references its OER repository: "Open Educational Resources https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/mathematics"
  • Integration of Technology: The workshop advocates for the effective integration of technology into the mathematics classroom. It highlights various digital tools, including virtual manipulatives, collaboration platforms, formative assessment tools, and online games, as a means to enrich the learning experience.
  • Teacher Empowerment: The workshop empowers teachers by giving them the knowledge and skills to modify and adapt learning resources to fit their specific teaching context. It intends for teachers to "Customize Math Apps to meet students’ learning needs"

3. Key Ideas & Facts

  • Workshop Details:
  • Title: Exploring Customisable Math Apps (Run 3)
  • Date: May 03, 2017
  • Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Venue: eduLab@AST, Singapore
  • Target Audience: Primary Math teachers.
  • Presenters: Mr. Wee Loo Kang, Thong CH, Woo Huey Ming, and Shannalyn (Educational Technology Division, MOE).
  • Workshop Objectives: Participants will be able to:
  • "Use the Math Apps to help students uncover abstract mathematical concepts or results"
  • "Customize Math Apps to meet students’ learning needs"
  • Customization Tools:
  • Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool
  • DuDaMath
  • GeoGebra
  • Featured Math Apps: The workshop focused on two specific apps:
  • "Primary School Numbers from 1 to 100": An app that helps students learn about "Odd, Even, Multiples and Factors."
  • "Mass or Weighing Scale Model": An app that helps students learn about measurement, including decimals, mass, and volume.
  • Other Apps: Some other math apps from the same source include: Telling Time, Nets of Cubes and Cuboids, Net(s) of Square or Rectangular Pyramid.
  • Workshop Flow: The workshop included time for:
  • Introduction to Math LC, community overview, and useful tools (Geogebra, Maps etc)
  • Discussions on relevant syllabus topics
  • Demonstration and exploration of two math apps
  • Sharing by participants on digital apps and websites they currently use.
  • Possible guest speaker.
  • A survey for feedback
  • Range of ICT Tools: The workshop introduced a wide variety of ICT tools categorized as:
  • Natural-fit: Geogebra, Geometer Sketchpad, Mathematics PlaySpace, Desmos, DuDaMath
  • Virtual Manipulatives: National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, eduplace, Mathplayground, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Illuminations, Flash Apps.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Google Apps for Education, TodaysMeet, Padlet, Popplet, Lino, Explain Everything, Doceri, Screencast-O-Matic
  • Formative Assessment: Poll Everywhere, Plickers, Socrative, Kahoot, Formative, Nearpod, Quizizz, Educaplay, PingPong, GoSoapBox.
  • Online Games: Mathplayground, Coolmath4kids, Arcademics, Fuel the brain
  • Note: The document is very clear, stating "The information contained in the list is compiled for general reference purposes only. It does not represent the opinion of MOE, nor endorsement of any products or services. MOE is not liable for any loss or damage caused by the content of the linked websites."
  • Accessibility: The apps are designed to be accessible on various platforms, including "Android/iOS including handphones/Tablets/iPads, Windows/MacOSX/Linux including Laptops/Desktops, ChromeBook Laptops"
  • Feedback: The workshop included surveys to solicit feedback on the session, areas of improvement, and which tools participants intended to try.
  • Licensing: The content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License, and includes a note about commercial use of the EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library requiring contact with the authors.

4. Key Quotes

  • "customisation is possible due to the open source code license"
  • "Learn how customisable Math Apps can engage students in activities to explore and learn mathematical concepts and skills in a fun way."
  • "The Math Apps allow students to experiment, explore and construct meanings and understandings between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas."
  • "The workshop facilitators will also share their experiences using Math Apps for teaching & learning and how to customize the Math Apps to suit your students’ learning needs."
  • "Customize Math Apps to meet students’ learning needs"

5. Conclusion

This workshop is a significant initiative aimed at bridging the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and concrete understanding through the use of customizable, open-source math apps. It seeks to empower teachers to effectively integrate technology into their instruction and meet diverse student learning needs. The variety of tools and the emphasis on customization make this a potentially impactful approach to mathematics education.

TRIASI workshop 2017 Exploring Customisable* Math Apps May 03 2017

note:
customisation is possible due to the open source code license, but it requires some knowledge of 

  1. Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool to modify the all the Math Apps created by us.
  2. DuDaMath to modify created by others.
  3. GeoGebra to modify created by others.

email:

Dear Participant,

Thank you for registering in the following workshop:

Title: Exploring Customisable Math Apps
Date: May 03 2017 (Wednesday)
Time: 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Venue: eduLab@AST (Block J Level 4) 2, Malan Road, Singapore 109433, Academy of Singapore Teachers, Tel: 6664 1450 (Walk towards the canteen and climb the stairs up to highest floor following the green signages)

Getting there: Please see the attached for directions to AST.
Parking: MOE staff are permitted to park their vehicles within AST. Please refer to the attached map for alternative parking (10 min walk away).
Refreshments: A short tea break with some light snacks will be provided.

Things to bring:
  1. Civil Service Card (to clear security)
  2. Personal Laptop or Office Laptop or Others (if any)
  3. IAMS password for wifi access 
  4. Personal handphone to setup personal wifi is encouraged

Please arrive 5 mins before the stipulated time as the workshop will start punctually to ensure that we have ample time for exploration and discussion.

We certainly look forward to meeting you. ☺

Click here for details of our upcoming workshops. (Opal login required)

For further enquiries and clarifications, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Presenter

1. Mr Wee Loo Kang
2. Thong CH
3. Woo Huey Ming
4. Shannalyn
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (MOE)

Title:

Exploring Customisable Math Apps Run 3

Target

Primary
Math

Date and Time

25 Jan, 22 Mar, 3 May
1430 - 1730 hours
Mr Lawrence Wee Loo Kang


Objective

Learn how customisable Math Apps can engage students in activities to explore and learn mathematical concepts and skills in a fun way.
Participants will learn how Math Apps can be used in activity-based learning.

Content Outline

By the end of the session, the participants should be able to
1. Use the Math Apps to help students uncover abstract mathematical concepts or results
2. Customize Math Apps to meet students’ learning needs

Reference:
https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/mathematics

Synopsis

Looking for interesting ideas to help your students explore and learn mathematical concepts and skills in a fun way? The Math Apps allow students to experiment, explore and construct meanings and understandings between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas. The workshop facilitators will also share their experiences using Math Apps for teaching & learning and how to customize the Math Apps to suit your students’ learning needs.


Workshop Flow

10 mins introduce Math LC,  community  overview (CH and HM), tools (geogebra, maps etc)


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1y-5PQ0GSPj1_xc1JK1YjWGpoTTBPfA2lH4Zh1qnXXNw/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000


Useful ICT Tools for Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Natural-fit 

  1. Geogebra https://www.geogebra.org/
  2. Geometer Sketchpad http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/
  3. Mathematics PlaySpace http://tinyurl.com/MAPS-moe
  4. Desmo https://www.desmos.com/
  5. DuDaMath http://www.dudamath.com/

Virtual Manipulatives

  1. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrVirtual%20ary.html
  2. eduplace http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/manip/mn_2.html
  3. Mathplayground http://www.mathplayground.com/math_manipulatives.html
  4. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Illuminations http://illuminations.nctm.org/Search.aspx?view=search&type=ac
  5. Flash Apps  Number and Algebra Measurement and Geometry Statistics
  6. http://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/math/flash/Primary%20Level/
  7. NRICH Enriching Mathematics http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage
  8. Open Educational Resources https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/interactive-resources/mathematics

Collaboration and Communication

  1. Google Apps for Education https://www.google.com/edu/products/productivity-tools/
  2. TodaysMeet https://todaysmeet.com/
  3. Padlet https://padlet.com/
  4. Popplet http://popplet.com/
  5. Lino http://en.linoit.com/
  6. Explain Everything https://explaineverything.com/
  7. Doceri https://doceri.com/
  8. Screencast-O-Matic https://screencast-o-matic.com/

Formative Assessment

  1. Poll Everywhere https://www.polleverywhere.com/
  2. Plickers https://plickers.com/
  3. Socrative https://www.socrative.com/
  4. Kahoot https://kahoot.it/
  5. Formative https://goformative.com/
  6. Nearpod https://nearpod.com/
  7. Quizizz https://quizizz.com/
  8. Educaplay https://en.educaplay.com/
  9. PingPong http://gogopp.com/en
  10. GoSoapBox http://www.gosoapbox.com/

Online Games 

  1. Mathplayground http://www.mathplayground.com/
  2. Coolmath4kids https://www.coolmath4kids.com/
  3. Arcademics http://www.arcademics.com/
  4. Fuel the brain http://www.fuelthebrain.com/
  • The information contained in the list is compiled for general reference purposes only. It does not represent the opinion of MOE, nor endorsement of any products or services. MOE is not liable for any loss or damage caused by the content of the linked websites.
  • The use of ICT should complement children’s learning experiences, and be age and developmentally appropriate, in particular to younger children.


30 mins discuss what is in the syllabus that we can work together

30 mins break and networking


10 mins Discuss what are some features you want added, LK will add if possible, changes typically done in 7 days or so.

20 mins sharing by participants what are some of the digital apps websites used currently

10 mins  guest speaker?
10 survey











































Survey


What do you like best about the session?

What are the areas of improvement for the session?

What is/are the name(s) of the featured tool(s) you would be trying?




Mirror 

http://mydesk.opal.moe.edu.sg/cos/o.x?c=/ca4_mydesk/kblog&ptid=gs1878&bid=629&func=view&id=2983 (OPAL login required)

Email

The all materials are on the links
hope you will use it.

More information on this senior specialist research project can be found on the link below
https://sg.iwant2study.org/ospsg/index.php/projects/449-sstrf-2017-etd-3-explore-useful-learning-math-apps

Thank you

Feedback

What do you like best about the session?


What are the areas of improvement for the session?


What is/are the name(s) of the featured tool(s) you would be trying?


    FAQ on Customizable Math Apps Workshop

    1. What is the main focus of the "Exploring Customizable Math Apps" workshop? The workshop focuses on how customizable math applications can be used to engage students in learning mathematical concepts and skills. Participants learn how to use these apps for activity-based learning, emphasizing exploration, experimentation, and constructing understanding between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas. A key element is also to customize the apps to meet specific student learning needs.
    2. What types of math apps are discussed and used in the workshop? The workshop features a variety of math apps, including those created using Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool (EJS), DuDaMath, and GeoGebra. These tools allow participants to explore different mathematical concepts such as numbers, scales, time, and geometric shapes (cubes, cuboids, pyramids). The apps are designed for different platforms and devices including desktops, laptops, tablets and phones. The apps used are often available as HTML5 applets, making them accessible through web browsers.
    3. What kind of customization is possible with these math apps? The open-source nature of the apps allows for significant customization. Participants learn to modify the apps to align with their teaching goals, focusing on specific mathematical concepts or addressing individual student needs. This involves using tools like Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool, DuDaMath, or GeoGebra to adjust the code and functionality. This can include changing variables, adding new features, or modifying the user interface.
    4. What are some of the digital tools and resources mentioned in the workshop for teaching math? The workshop introduces various tools, including Geogebra, Geometer Sketchpad, Mathematics PlaySpace, Desmos, DuDaMath, virtual manipulatives from the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives and similar sites. It also covers collaboration and communication tools like Google Apps for Education, TodaysMeet, Padlet, and formative assessment tools such as Poll Everywhere, Plickers, Socrative, Kahoot, and more.
    5. What learning outcomes can participants expect from the workshop? Participants will learn to utilize math apps to help students explore and understand abstract mathematical concepts. They will also be able to customize these apps to cater to diverse learning needs and effectively integrate them into activity-based learning sessions. They will also be introduced to other ICT tools for teaching math.
    6. What are some specific math concepts explored through these customizable apps? The workshop demonstrates apps that cover a variety of primary math concepts. Examples include properties of whole numbers (odd, even, multiples, factors), measurement using scales (including decimals), telling time, and exploring 3D shapes (nets of cubes, cuboids, and pyramids). These apps allow students to visualize and interact with these concepts, promoting a deeper understanding.
    7. Is the workshop just about the technology or does it address teaching practices? The workshop is not solely focused on the technology; it also covers the pedagogical aspects of using the math apps. Facilitators share their experiences on integrating these apps into teaching practices and discuss how they can be used to promote active learning, exploration, and conceptual understanding. The focus is on using the technology to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience.
    8. What is the overall goal of using customizable math apps in the classroom? The goal is to make learning math more engaging and interactive, moving away from traditional methods and promoting student-centered learning. These tools help make abstract math concepts more concrete, allowing students to experiment, explore, and construct their own understanding. Customization ensures that the apps are tailored to meet specific student needs, thus maximizing their effectiveness.