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20170322 TRIASI workshop 2017 Exploring Customisable Math Apps 2

 

Briefing Document: Exploring Customizable Math Apps Workshop

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Review of "20170322 TRIASI workshop 2017 Exploring Customisable Math Apps 2 - Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore"

1. Overview

This document reviews the materials from a workshop titled "Exploring Customizable Math Apps," held on March 22, 2017, as part of the Open Educational Resources/Open Source Physics initiative in Singapore. The workshop focused on demonstrating how educators can utilize and adapt math apps to enhance student learning, particularly at the primary level. The workshop emphasized the use of activity-based learning and the customization of apps to suit varied learning needs. The workshop was presented by a team of educators from the Educational Technology Division (MOE).

2. Main Themes & Key Ideas

  • Customizable Math Apps: The core concept is leveraging open-source math applications that can be modified to meet specific educational objectives and student needs. The customization is facilitated by the Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool, although it requires some technical proficiency. As stated, "customisation is possible due to the open source code license, but it requires some knowledge of Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool to modify the all the Math Apps created by us."
  • Activity-Based Learning: The workshop aimed to show how these math apps can engage students in hands-on exploration and discovery of mathematical concepts. The objective was to enable students to "experiment, explore and construct meanings and understandings between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas."
  • Open Educational Resources (OER): The entire initiative is situated within the broader framework of open educational resources, promoting free access and modification of educational materials. This is reflected in the mention of the Open Educational Resources/Open Source Physics @ Singapore project and links provided, which aim to make these resources available to educators.
  • Integration of Technology: The workshop demonstrates how a wide range of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools can be incorporated into mathematics teaching and learning. This includes virtual manipulatives, collaboration platforms, assessment tools, and online games. The emphasis is on how ICT can "complement children’s learning experiences, and be age and developmentally appropriate."
  • Focus on Primary Math: The workshop was specifically targeted towards primary school mathematics education, and the presented apps are designed for this level, as mentioned "Target Primary Math". The focus was on enabling students to learn about various mathematical concepts in a fun way

3. Workshop Objectives

By the end of the session, participants were expected to:

  1. Utilize Math Apps for Concept Discovery: Participants should be able to "Use the Math Apps to help students uncover abstract mathematical concepts or results". This shows the intention for the teachers to facilitate learning through exploration.
  2. Customize Apps for Student Needs: The workshop aimed to empower educators to "Customize Math Apps to meet students’ learning needs," highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of the resources.

4. Workshop Content and Flow

The workshop structure was a mix of introductions, app demonstrations, and collaborative discussions:

  • Introduction: The workshop began with an overview of the Math Learning Community, the tools involved, and the use of tools like GeoGebra and Maps.
  • ICT Tools Presentation: The workshop showcased a wide variety of ICT tools categorized into natural fit tools (GeoGebra, Desmos), virtual manipulatives, collaboration and communication tools (Google Apps, Padlet), formative assessment platforms (Poll Everywhere, Kahoot), and online games.
  • App Demonstrations:App 1: Numbers (Odd, Even, Multiples, Factors): This app focuses on primary school numbers up to 100, allowing for exploration of number properties.
  • App 2: Reading Scales: A simulation focusing on measurements, particularly mass or weighing scales, with an emphasis on decimals and numbers up to 100.
  • Optional Apps: Other apps mentioned include "Telling Time," "Nets of Cubes and Cuboids," and "Net(s) of Square or Rectangular Pyramid," all designed with an interactive HTML5 format for multi-platform access.
  • Collaborative Discussions: Sessions were included for teachers to discuss the curriculum and share how they're using digital tools, along with feedback sessions to guide app development.
  • Feedback and Survey: The workshop concluded with a feedback survey to gather participant opinions on the session and the featured tools. The survey included questions like "What do you like best about the session?" and "What is/are the name(s) of the featured tool(s) you would be trying?".

5. Featured Math Apps

The workshop focused on showcasing several interactive math apps developed using EasyJavaScriptSimulation, including:

  • Primary School Numbers from 1 to 100: Designed for understanding properties like odd, even, multiples, and factors.
  • Mass or Weighing Scale Model: To explore measurement of mass, decimals and numbers up to 100.
  • Telling Time: A simulation for learning to tell time.
  • Nets of Cubes and Cuboids
  • Net(s) of Square or Rectangular Pyramid

These apps are:

  • Interactive: They allow for dynamic exploration.
  • Cross-Platform: Compatible with various devices including Android/iOS phones/tablets, Windows/MacOSX/Linux laptops/desktops, and ChromeBooks.
  • Customizable: Built using open-source code, enabling modification.

6. Supporting Resources

The provided links offer additional materials:

  • Opal Login Required Links: Links to materials, indicating that these resources are likely hosted on a specific educational platform, possibly for Singaporean educators.
  • Blog Link: A link to a blog detailing the TRIASI workshop.
  • Open Educational Resources Link: Directs to the OER repository where the showcased apps and other resources are available.
  • SSTRF Project Link: Provides more information on the project supporting the development of these educational tools.
  • Mirror Site Science Teacher Association Singapore and other external websites such as Pixlr Editor by Autodesk

7. Implications and Key Takeaways

  • Empowering Educators: The workshop demonstrates an approach to empower educators with customizable tools, rather than just relying on static resources.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: The emphasis on customization and open-source code allows teachers to adapt the apps to diverse learning contexts.
  • Practical Applications: The workshop provided specific examples of how to integrate technology in the primary math classroom, with ready-to-use applications.
  • Collaborative Development: The feedback process underscores the iterative nature of the project, where user input influences further app development.

8. Conclusion

The "Exploring Customizable Math Apps" workshop reflects a broader commitment to using technology to improve mathematics education. The emphasis on open-source resources, customization, and hands-on learning highlights a progressive approach to pedagogy. This initiative seeks to provide educators with the tools and resources necessary to create engaging and effective learning experiences for primary school students.

 

 

TRIASI workshop 2017 Exploring Customisable* Math Apps March 22 2017

note:
customisation is possible due to the open source code license, but it requires some knowledge of Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool to modify the all the Math Apps created by us.

email:

Dear Participant,

Thank you for registering in the following workshop:

Title: Exploring Customisable Math Apps
Date: 22 March 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
5. Samuel Tan
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (MOE)

Title:

Exploring Customisable Math Apps

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)

 

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/

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









































Link1, Link 2

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
Do try to sign up of the other 2 workshops, if you are interested to see what changes have been made to the apps we make, based on your feedback.

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

FAQ on Customizable Math Apps and Open Educational Resources

  1. What are customizable Math Apps, and why are they beneficial for learning?
  2. Customizable Math Apps are digital tools designed to help students explore and learn mathematical concepts through interactive activities. The "customizable" aspect means that educators, and sometimes even students, can modify these applications to better suit specific learning needs. This flexibility allows teachers to tailor the apps to match their curriculum and students' abilities, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and toward a more personalized learning experience. These apps encourage active learning by allowing students to experiment, explore, and construct understanding between concrete and abstract mathematical ideas, making the learning process more engaging and effective. The apps are typically created using open-source code, allowing for more customization.
  3. What is the Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool (EjsS), and how is it related to these Math Apps?
  4. Easy JavaScript Modeling Tool (EjsS) is a software tool that is used to create the Math Apps being discussed. The open-source nature of these applications means they can be modified; however, modifying the apps requires some knowledge of EjsS. This allows for educators to make changes that suit their specific teaching goals.
  5. What kind of mathematical concepts can be explored using these Math Apps?
  6. These Math Apps cover a wide range of mathematical topics, including but not limited to: number properties (odd, even, multiples, factors), measurement (reading scales, mass, length, volume), time, geometry (nets of cubes, cuboids, pyramids), and more. They aim to help students understand both abstract and concrete mathematical ideas.
  7. What platforms are these Math Apps compatible with?
  8. The Math Apps are designed to be accessible across various platforms, including Android and iOS devices (like phones and tablets), as well as Windows, MacOSX, and Linux computers (laptops and desktops), including ChromeBook laptops. This wide compatibility ensures that the apps can be used in diverse learning environments and with different types of devices. The format is typically JavaScript HTML5 Applets.
  9. Who are the presenters and what is the purpose of the workshops focused on these Math Apps?
  10. The workshops are presented by Mr. Wee Loo Kang, Thong CH, Woo Huey Ming, Shannalyn, and Samuel Tan from the Educational Technology Division (MOE). The goal of the workshops is to familiarize educators with the Math Apps and how they can be used in the classroom to improve the student learning experience. They teach participants how to use the apps to uncover mathematical concepts, customize the apps to meet students' learning needs and share their experiences using Math Apps for teaching and learning. The primary focus of these workshops is to enhance mathematics education through interactive digital tools.
  11. Besides the Math Apps themselves, what other ICT tools are recommended for teaching mathematics?
  12. The document provides a list of tools which supplement Math App use. These include tools categorized as "Natural-fit" (e.g., GeoGebra, Geometer Sketchpad, Desmos), Virtual Manipulatives (e.g., National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, Mathplayground), tools for Collaboration and Communication (e.g., Google Apps for Education, Padlet), and tools for Formative Assessment (e.g., Poll Everywhere, Kahoot). There are also Online Game resources. This variety shows an approach to using different digital resources in teaching and learning to address various needs and learning styles.
  13. Can you give some examples of specific Math Apps discussed in the text?
  14. The document specifically mentions a "Primary School Numbers from 1 to 100" app which focuses on number properties such as odd, even, multiples, and factors, and a "Mass or Weighing Scale Model" app which uses a virtual scale to explore measurement and decimals. Additionally, apps for telling time and exploring nets of 3D shapes (cubes, cuboids, pyramids) are included.
  15. What is the overall philosophy behind using these Math Apps and other digital resources in education?
  16. The document emphasizes that ICT tools should complement children’s learning experiences and should be age and developmentally appropriate. The philosophy promotes a move towards activity-based learning, where students actively explore and experiment with mathematical concepts. Additionally, customization and collaboration are key components, allowing teachers to tailor resources to meet the unique needs of their students and engage them more effectively. The overall approach promotes a blend of digital resources with traditional pedagogy to provide an enriched educational experience.