Although the subject matter is practical, many students have trouble grasping mathematical concepts expressed in words without any visual math models to follow. Math software can help improve math skills by allowing them to practice with interactive visual elements that they can associate with complex concepts and numbers.
The best way to understand how software aids the comprehension of math concepts is by looking at how it applies to teaching fractions. Not all students instantly grasp the concept of solving fraction problems when presented in abstract form, for example: ½ + 2/3. Most teachers have difficulty teaching the topic due to the fact that fractions present a major conceptual leap for students. It helps to present them with visual fractions first, which allow them to see whole objects divided into equal parts.
By allowing them to transition from fraction models to solving abstract problems at their own pace, students will find that they have a deeper foundation in the subject, which will help them consolidate more complex concepts like mixed fractions and operations between fractions.
At the same time, visual math models are not the only way that educational software helps in the teaching process. Another way that math software helps is by providing the student with constant feedback. Unlike a teacher who collects dozens of papers and needs time to correct them, educational software spots mistakes instantaneously and does not let misunderstood concepts linger. With immediate and constant feedback, having the software aid the student can greatly speed up the learning process.
In addition, the software goes beyond telling what is right or wrong. Rather than telling the student to “Try again,” effective math software for teaching fractions and other mathematical concepts offers strategic feedback to target specific conceptual and procedural errors. Additionally, as educators would know, it doesn’t help to simply feed the answers to students. Effective educational software is also designed with this in mind, letting students figure out the answers on their own and reinforcing the correct method.
While software can be used as a tool for tutoring, it can also enrich any math curriculum. Math software suitable for classroom instruction should be able to record each student’s performance and allow teachers to make recommendations for advancement or remediation at a glance. This way, teachers can monitor students’ progress and assist them accordingly.
With the boom of interactive media and more and more time being spent on computers, students now also have a chance to learn though the same channels that they use for entertainment and to communicate with their peers. Using software to aid classroom instruction can make a great difference in how students pick up the concepts.
