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Software Resources
Common types of math software in K-8 are drill and kill and edutainment. Learning basic math facts for fluency in mathematical thinking is critical but not all math drill software is based on sound research. FASTT Math is a new program that individualizes math to help students in real ways. There are other types of programs, as well, so explore on!
Information on Math Software
Children's Technology Review
Formerly Children's Software Review.
10 Tips for Software Selection for Math Instruction
Dr. Babbitt's tips give solid advice to help teachers select the best math software for students with learning disabilities in math.
Math Matrix
Find software to meet your needs at the Center for Implementing Technology in Education.
Suggested Software
Early Childhood Technology Literacy Project's list of recommended software.
Selecting Software for Young Children
Learn more about Northwest Educational Technology Consortium's recommendations.
Some of My Favorites
I am not easily dazzled by glitzy or cute software for math--or any other subject for that matter. However, I do like tool-type programs such as spreadsheets that put students in the driver's seat where they learn to use programs in similar ways to mathematicians and scientists solving real-world problems. When students are engaged in interesting and challenging activities and projects, classroom management problems shrink and learning excitement becomes a dominant emotion.
Here are a few programs that I like. If a program is not listed here, it doesn't mean it isn't any good...it just means I didn't list it!
Geometer's Sketchpad
"The latest version of this award-winning mathematics visualization
environment features enhanced support for algebra and calculus as well
as geometry; a full set of formatting tools for mathematical notation
and styled text; a more flexible user interface for greater ease of
use; built-in Web integration; and many, many other enhancements." Be sure to download the Geometer's Sketchpad Workshop to help you get acquainted with this program.
The Graph Club
"The Graph Club is an innovative, easy-to-use software tool for creating, exploring, interpreting, and printing graphs. The program's friendly, hands-on environment helps young students make the transition from graphing with manipulatives to graphing in the abstract. As students create and compare up to five different graph types, they develop essential graphing and math skills."
FASTT Math
Research-based program to develop math fact fluency. "This math intervention software program uses research-validated methods to help struggling students develop fluency with basic math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Using the FASTT system (Fluency and Automaticity through Systematic Teaching with Technology), the software provides a continuously adaptive program that efficiently increases math fact fluency in customized, 10-minute daily sessions. Developing automatic recall of basic math facts enables students to focus on higher-order math skills such as advanced computation, problem solving, and algebra. FASTT Math also includes prescribed print activities for those students who need additional instruction in the conceptual foundation of numbers and operations." Watch a 5-minute excerpt from Dr. Ted Hasslebring's presentation at FETC 2005 or watch the full hour presentation on his research behind the FASTT Math program.
K-8 Mathematics Software - Ventura
There are a variety of tool-type software programs here including 100s Interactive Chart, Fraction Sticks, Probability Toolkit, and more.
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