Concerns 1. The first concern I have is the use of calculators in the classroom.

What age or grade level is appropriate when allowing the use of calculators in the classroom? I am concerned that kids will use the calculator to compute simple math problems, which might hinder their learning. 2. The second concern I have is the use of computers in the classroom. Do students really benefit from learning and practicing math via a computer? Is there enough statistics to prove learning and practicing math via computer more beneficial? 3. The third concern I have is the lack of manipulatives when using technology. Will students be able to still compute and understand math problems or will it become a guessing game if they do not have manipulatives? Should there be a balance of the use of hands on and not hands on manipulatives? Suggestions 1. After reading an article at http://www.homeschoolmath.net/teaching/calculatoruse-math-teaching.php, I now realize teachers should only allow students to use calculators if they have mastered their basic facts. They should be able to do mental calculations and able to compute problems using paper and pencil. However, students should realize the importance of not relying on the calculator. Teachers can express the importance of students estimating the result before doing the calculation. 2. After reading an article at http://teach.valdosta.edu/are/Artmanscrpt/vol1no1/souter_am.pdf, I found that using computers is a good one-on-one and self-paced way to learn and practice math. In addition, using a computer provides immediate feedback. This allows students to immediately examine what they did wrong. Teachers should allow students to use computers only when they have mastered the skill of being able to solve math equations using pen and paper. In a study led by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development they found that 98% of students from a technology enhanced classroom reported having a "C" or better while only 87% coming from a traditional classroom reported having a "C" or better. 3. After reading an article at http://www.ncolr.org/jiol/issues/pdf/3.4.2.pdf, I found that there is such a thing as online manipulatives. Manipulatives are beneficial for visual learners. At the different manipulative sites you will find that they are interactive and provide the student with the opportunities to explore and discover math principles. Having these manipulative websites will lesson the chance of a guessing game. Sources and websites with more information from this content area:

1. At http://jmathpage.com/, you will find a variety of math activities and math fun for kids and their teachers. You will also find interactive math tools such as, dice and money. This site offers so many opportunities to practice your math while also playing a game. A student will never get bored at this website. 2. The website http://www.k111.k12.il.us/departments/instructionalprograms/internetresources/n ewmath.aspx, was created by a classroom teacher. It includes a classified list of links to some of the best math support activities on the web. This website will allow students to interact with multiple games on the web from several categories. For example, choosing money as the category allows the student to chose from eight different games to play that teach the concept of money. 3. At http://www.edu4kids.com/index.php?TB=2&page=12, I found a great tool for students to master their basic skills. Mastering these skills will help the student when using a calculator. In addition, the flash cards allow immediate feedback to the student. 4. At http://nlvm.usu.edu//index.html students are able to create manipulatives based on grade level or content area. Although this program is something you have to buy you are able to try it for free. Students would really benefit from visually seeing what the problem is asking. 5. At http://www.aaamath.com/index.html students are able to choose from a wide range of lessons and practice as many times as needed to master the concept. This site allows students to choose lessons based on the individuals current level of math.