|
In evaluating Phase 1 of NGfL, many teachers commented
on the difficulty of locating resources for ICT in Mathematics. Teacher
were also rapidly becoming aware of the potential of the large display,
in whole-class interactive teaching. As a consequence, Kent NGfL agreed
to support three teachers in developing the use of spreadsheets in teaching
Mathematics at Key Stages 1 and 2, with a particular focus on numeracy.
The key distinction between a spreadsheet and a
calculator is that the former has a two-dimensional display. Results
are stored on the sheet, not wiped off each time something new is entered.
Spreadsheets therefore offer an excellent means of exploring patterns
in number sequences and the effects of repeated operations.
Pupils in Year 4 and above may be taught to enter,
copy and paste formulae on a spreadsheet to generate number patterns.
In my experience there has always been a strong emphasis on estimation
and mental calculation - pupils regard prediction of spreadsheet results
as a 'game'. Activities involving (for example) triangular and square
numbers and 'tables' will be trialled, developed and evaluated. What
evidence (in class discussion, work away from the computer) is there
of improved understanding and knowledge of number and number operations?
Spreadsheets may be used to generate examples for
practice of arithmetic skills. Number Magic has materials, and resources
for Excel may be downloaded from various Web sites. Because the examples
are so readily changed, they are excellent in prompting questions such
as 'What will happen if we subtract 15 more?' 'What should we add to
make the answer 62?'
|
