Overview:

This briefing document summarizes the information available on the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website regarding a workshop titled "Using ICT to Teach Math." The workshop, held on July 5, 2018, aimed to introduce educators to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and online resources, particularly Easy JavaScript Simulations (EJSS) Math simulations, for enhancing mathematics teaching and learning. The website also serves as a repository for a vast collection of interactive simulations and resources, primarily in physics but also including mathematics.

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Workshop Focus: Integrating ICT in Mathematics Education:

• The central theme of the workshop was the application of ICT to improve mathematics teaching methodologies. The title itself, "Using ICT to Teach Math," clearly indicates this focus.
• The programme outlines key sessions including an "Introduction to Math LC" (likely Learning Communities), "Introduction of online Math Resources and EJSS Math Simulations," and an "LC Conversation" focusing on "ICT T&L practices" (Teaching and Learning practices) and "Types of Math workshop with ICT interested."
• This suggests a practical approach, aiming to equip educators with knowledge of specific tools (online resources and EJSS simulations) and to foster discussion around effective integration strategies within learning communities.

1. Emphasis on Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Source Physics (OSP):

• The website's title and structure highlight its commitment to OER and OSP, particularly within the Singaporean context. The event is hosted under this banner.
• The mention of EJSS (Easy JavaScript Simulations) strongly suggests the use of open-source tools for creating and utilizing interactive learning materials.
• The Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License mentioned at the bottom confirms the open licensing of the content, encouraging sharing and adaptation.

1. Introduction to Math Learning Communities (LC):

• The workshop programme explicitly includes an "Introduction to Math LC" and an "LC Conversation."
• This indicates the importance of collaborative learning and sharing of best practices among mathematics educators regarding the use of ICT.

1. Showcasing Practical Applications and Tools:

• The programme includes presentations by "SPIRAL" and "Yishun Sec," suggesting that the workshop involved sharing concrete examples of how ICT is being used in different educational settings.
• The "Introduction of online Math Resources and EJSS Math Simulations" points to a hands-on element where participants would be exposed to specific digital tools.

1. Vast Repository of Interactive Simulations:

• The website itself functions as a significant resource, hosting an extensive list of JavaScript and HTML5 applet simulations.
• While many are physics-related (as indicated by "Open Source Physics"), a substantial number are clearly mathematics-focused. Examples include:
• "Fibonacci Spiral JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Riemann Integral JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Definite Integral JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Complex Geometric Series JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Geometric Sequence and Series JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Mandelbrot Set (Variable Power) JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Logistic Map JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "🎲Tug Of War Maths Game JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML 5"
• "➕Bing Bang Go! Game Tic Tac Toe Addition Game JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "🔢Complex Number Graphical Calculator JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Multiply Fractions JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Pythagoras' Theorem JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "📈Velocity-Time Graph Editor Simulator Javascript Simulation Applet HTML5"
• "Exploring Optimization Through Interactive Pathfinding: A Think-Aloud Math Activity an EJS interactive by MeiYoke"
• "Exploring Interactive Nets of Cube and 3D Visualization with the New EJS Simulation 🌟🔦🎨 by meiyoke"
• "Drawing 3D Shapes on an Isometric Grid: A Fun and Educational Tool by meiyoke"
• "Exploring Line Symmetry with WebEJS: A Hands-On Interactive by meiyoke"
• "Thinking Aloud: Fill the Tank – Interactive Math Puzzle by meiyoke"
• "Interactive Math Learning: Estimation Made Fun with EJS by MeiYoke"
• These simulations cover a wide range of mathematical topics, from basic arithmetic games to more advanced concepts like calculus, sequences, series, and complex numbers.
• The consistent use of JavaScript and HTML5 suggests a focus on platform-independent and web-accessible resources.

1. Project-Based Learning and Inquiry:

• Some simulation titles suggest a focus on inquiry-based learning, such as "Magnet on Car Inquiry Primary Science JavaScript HTML5 Applet Simulation Model" and the various "PICUP" (Physics Instructional Computer Use in Undergraduate Physics) resources that often involve experiments and computational models. While these examples are predominantly physics-related in their titles, the underlying principles of inquiry and modeling can be applied to mathematical concepts as well.

1. Teacher Contributions and Community:

• The mention of simulations created by individuals like "Leongster" and "MeiYoke," and the "Teacher Version" interactive tool, indicate a community of educators contributing and sharing resources. This aligns with the idea of Learning Communities discussed in the workshop programme.

1. Integration with Existing Educational Platforms:

• The mention of "Discover the viral Timetable to ICS Converter that's changing the game for educators. This tool not only makes scheduling a breeze—it’s set to inform and inspire the SLS MOE Calendar Planner" suggests an awareness of and potential integration with Singapore's Student Learning Space (SLS).
• Similarly, the "20250311 EdTech NLC YIJC Kinematics Quiz conversion from DOC/PDF to SLS components using Interactive Response and ACP Enhancing Student Learning with an Interactive Distance-Time Graph Simulation" highlights efforts to integrate interactive tools within the SLS environment.

1. Emphasis on Diverse Mathematical Topics:

• The sheer number and variety of simulations demonstrate the potential for using ICT to teach a broad spectrum of mathematical concepts across different educational levels.

1. Popular Tags Highlight Key Areas of Interest:

• The "Popular Tags" section provides insights into the areas of mathematics and science where these resources are most prevalent. Relevant tags include "Mathematics," "Sequences and series," "Complex numbers expressed in cartesian form," "Functions," "Differential equations," and "Learning and Teaching Mathematics using Simulations – Plus 2000 Examples from Physics."

Quotes:

While the source primarily provides a list of events and resources, the titles themselves act as key indicators of the content and focus. For example:

• The workshop title: "Using ICT to Teach Math" clearly states the core theme.
• Programme points: "Introduction of online Math Resources and EJSS Math Simulations" highlights specific tools to be introduced.
• A simulation title: "Riemann Integral JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5" directly indicates a resource for teaching a specific mathematical concept using ICT.
• The license information: "Contents are licensed Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License" emphasizes the open nature of the resources.

Conclusion:

The information suggests that the "Using ICT to Teach Math" workshop was a significant event aimed at promoting the integration of technology, particularly open-source simulations and online resources, into mathematics education in Singapore. The Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website serves as a valuable repository of such tools, covering a wide range of mathematical and scientific topics. The emphasis on learning communities and the showcasing of practical applications further highlight a collaborative and hands-on approach to enhancing mathematics teaching and learning through ICT. The presence of numerous mathematics-focused simulations underscores the potential of these resources for educators looking to engage students with interactive and visual learning experiences.

 

a. Workshop Details:
Title: Using ICT to Teach Math
Date: 05 Jul 2018 (Thursday)
Time: 1430 to 1700
Venue: eduLab@AST
TRAISI Code: 31321-003

b. Programme:
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm 1. Introduction to Math LC
2. Introduction of online Math Resources and EJSS Math Simulations
3. LC Conversation
+ ICT T&L practices
+ Types of Math workshop with ICT interested
3:30 pm to 3:45 pm Tea Break
3:45 pm to 4:15 pm Presentation SPIRAL
4:15 pm to 4:45 pm Presentation by Yishun Sec
4:45 pm to 5:00 pm Feedback & Closure