The State of Digital Math Education

  

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This past June, Education Market Research released its third report (the two previous reports were published in 2005 and 2008) about digital trends in math education. In conjunction with MCH Strategic Data, Education Market Research conducted a comprehensive survey of math curriculum supervisors, classroom teachers (grades K-5), math teachers (grades 6-8 and 9-12), and math department chairs (grades 6-8 and 9-12). The report identified what resources math educators rely on most in the classroom, and what new products and tools they’re most interested in purchasing.

While most math classrooms still use a basal textbook, the integration of digital resources is rising. On average, math teachers reported spending more than one full class period per week using digital tools or content, and many spent significantly more time utilizing technology. Specifically, among teachers who report using digital content or tools during more then 26% of class time (high digital use), the highest percentages are remedial math teachers and grades 6-8 math teachers. The most commonly used digital tool is interactive whiteboards. Teachers considered interactive whiteboards to be the most important supplemental material in addition to textbooks. This demand for whiteboards is a change from 2008 when interactive whiteboards were not even part of the survey. Math teachers and educators value the “faster reporting” and “detailed student/class information” generated by computer-based programs, features that traditional textbooks and workbooks cannot provide. Other important features and tools that math educators rate highly are:

1. 

   Interactive whiteboard resources
2. Practice for state and standardized tests
3. Meets need of diverse students
4. Abundant practice exercises
5. Using games to practice basic skills

As digital resources continue to expand and improve, schools will certainly continue to adopt them. What tools do you think are the most important? And what do you think are the greatest needs for technology in math classrooms?