Laptops In Lessons
Get the most out of laptop computers in Mathematics lessons
Software for Mathematics
Laptops, netbooks and TabletPCs are of little use in class if there is
not software to support learning.
Some
software can be very expensive while other software is free. Some software
requires installing while other software can be accesses online. Whatever
you choose there is a great deal of potential to support learning.
This area of the Transum website is designed to share information about
the software we at Transum recommend.
Top Ten Software
-
Starter of the Day. Well no surprise here. Our first recommendation
is our very own Maths lesson starters. They are designed to be projected
onto the whiteboard at the beginning of a lesson and give the student a
worthwhile activity to do while their laptops boot up. After that there
is often a student activity to do following on from the idea presented
in the starter.
- GeoGebra. This is free
and multi-platform dynamic mathematics software for learning and
teaching. It has received several educational software awards in Europe
and the USA.
-
Math Input Panel. If you have Windows 7 installed on your laptop or
TabletPC you will have access to this nice piece of software which
allows you to 'draw' your mathematical expression. Once your expression
is recognized, you can insert it into a word-processing or computational
program.
- Microsoft Math.
The application features such tools as a graphing calculator and a unit
converter. It also includes a triangle solver, and an equation solver
that provides step-by-step solutions to each problem,
- Logo.
A great way to teach the angles of a polygon and lots more. This free
online version allows quick and easy access for your students.
- BBC Bitesize.
A free revision resource for students studying their GCSEs featuring
written content, interactive content, audio, video and games.
- Impress.
This is the Open office equivalent of PowerPoint. Great for students to
quickly draw diagrams, order ideas and present their findings to others.
- Calc. This
free spreadsheet program provides a number of features not present in
Excel, including a system which automatically defines series for
graphing, based on the layout of the user’s data. Whether you use Excel,
Calc or the Mac equivalent a spreadsheet is perfect for investigating
number patterns or handling data.
- Mathletics. A
subscription service providing information and exercises for young
children through to 18 year olds.
- MyMaths. Similar to
Mathletics but more closely related to the English National Curriculum.
Activity Ideas
Do you have any tips for
using laptops (or other portable computers) in Mathematics lessons?
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ideas.
