How Are Schools Using Technology in Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science

PS2206 (ICT IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS) How are schools using technology in teaching and learning mathematics and science? Last week, I went to my former school, Sekolah Rendah Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar, Brunei 1 to observe on the usage of technology by the science and maths teacher in their lesson and how they used it in their teaching. The technologies that were provided in the schools are : • 20 computers for the pupils, • 5 macbook for teachers, • 1 interactive whiteboard (IWB) • 1 LCD projector • Wireless internet connection There is only 1 Computer lab in the school. 2 periods (1 hour ) slot in a week were given for each class to use the ICT rooms. It is mainly used for maths, science and English lessons. However, when the computer lab is not in used, other subject teachers are welcome to used them. The subject teacher and also with the help of the ICT teacher will teach the pupils using the computer and also IWB. Teacher will show pictures, slideshows and sometimes do interactive activity using the IWB. Teacher also can surf activities from websites. Whereas for the activity, the pupils will be doing on the pupil’s computer either in pairs or individual. In classes, some of the maths and science teachers use macbook provided or their personal laptops in their teaching. Even some teacher brought the LCD projector to the classroom. With the wireless internet connection that can be found anywhere in the school make easier for the teacher to get connected to the internet and show online activities. However, not all teachers prefer to use technologies in their teaching. This is due to : • time constraint in doing the preparation. • not skillful in using the technologies. 

How should technology be used in Maths and Science teaching and learning?

Nowadays, nearly all schools in urban and rural areas are provided with internet, computers and laptops, projectors and interactive whiteboard (IWB). The use of technology also being implemented in Mathematics and Science lesson. Pupils should be provided with the opportunities to learn and develop their capability through the use of ICT tools.

These approaches will be value-added to learning and should have a strong impact on their learning. They include the :

• use of other extend devices and suitable softwares installed into the computer.

• use of the internet to source information and synthesise the information according to needs. Lots of worksheets and games that are related to the subject contents can be downloaded using the internet.
  
• use of ict tools to enhance the quality and accuracy of pupils work.


• exchange and sharing of information with others using ICT media.


• use of interactive multimedia learning packages that are tailored for specific learning outcomes. IWB are installed in many computer lab in schools. it is can be used to display and view slide shows.

Teacher can make use of the technology in making the Science and Mathematics lesson more attractive and interesting. Teacher may bring the students to the Computer lab for easy access to the computers and internet.

Teaching Science in Primary School

Starting this year, science has been taught as early as in primary 1. Previously, science only being taught in upper primary whereas the lower primary students are used to learn Pelajaran Am. Science education prepares students for lifelong learning through scientific enquiry and science-based skills. In the SPN21, teaching strategies such as inquiry learning and discovery learning are recommended in teaching Science. This will give the opportunity for the students to do hands on activity and work independently either in a group or pair work. Resulting from that, students will find it more interesting and for better understanding.

Basically, Science have lots to do with experiment and demonstration. An old adage states :

I listen and I forget,

I see and I remember,

I do and I understand.

I do and I understand. The last pace of this statement is the essence of enquiry-base learning, which implies that involvement leads to understanding. Hence, enquiry is considered central to science learning.

Every schools are supplied with Science teaching materials that can be used by teachers and students. However, not having a science lab may be a problem to some science teacher. In my former school, we don't have science lab. So i find it a bit difficult to teach science in the classroom as i have no easy access to the science apparatus and the classroom is not so suitable to do activities and also demonstration.

A field trip is another examples of learning activities that can be done in learning Science. It provide the pupils with first hand experiences, to stimulate interest and curiosity, to provide insights into the applications of science in real life situations and to promote the development of science process skills through field activities.

Teaching Mathematics in Primary School

There are variety of ways how teacher can teach Mathematics. Maths teachers are used to the traditional methods and drilling. Nowadays, Mathematics teachers are recommended to use
new strategies in their teaching such as by using cooperative learning, discovery learning and also using technology.

Mathematics is intended to achieve the following learning outcomes :

• 
  
  develop learning skills, concepts, understanding, and attitutes to cope confidently with the mathematics of everyday life


• 
  
  stimulate and develop mathematical thinking and reasoning through solving mathematical problems


• 
  
  develop the student's ability to intepret and communicate clearly and precisely mathematical ideas both oraqlly and in writing and to read and comprehend a mathemaqtical text


• 
  
  provide a foundation for students who may continue studies in mathematics or other disciplines where mathematical concepts are essential and


• 
  
  develop an appreciation of the nature of mathematics and mathematical processes.

Many students tend to dislike Maths as they have to do lots of memorization and a lot of thinking skills required. However, Maths can be fun by doing lots of activity that involve the students and also by having a clear demonstration by the teacher. By giving the students a chance to use the concrete materials, it can help the students understand easily and it will last longer rather than just having chalk and talk.