Past Recordings

Positioning All Students as Mathematical Explorers with Technology Tools

Presented by: Allison McCulloch, Jennifer Lovett, Charity Cayton,
Grades:

In this session, we will “look back” at how we have come to bring technology tools into our mathematics classrooms, asking ourselves, “Who gets to use technology tools to engage in meaningful mathematics? Does every student get the opportunity to use technology in ways that positions them as mathematically powerful? Or are we using them in ways that perpetuate the inequities we know currently exist in many mathematics classrooms?” Then we will “look ahead” and discuss how digital technologies can be positioned to disrupt the inequities by providing ways for all students to (1) enter a mathematical problem; (2) mediate mathematical discussions—regardless of their familiarity with the language of mathematics or even the dominant language in the classroom; and (3) build personal and powerful ways of mathematical thinking. Participants will analyze video clips of students engaging with digital math tasks with an eye toward the positioning of the tool. Then strategies for adapting existing digital math tasks to meet these goals will be shared.

The programs of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics present a variety of viewpoints. The content and views expressed or implied in these presentations should not be interpreted as official positions of the Council. References to particular commercial products by a speaker are not an NCTM endorsement of said product(s) and should not be construed as such. Any use of e-mail addresses beyond personal correspondence is not authorized by NCTM.