Digital technologies for learning mathematics

Last Friday (8th April) the DfE published the GCE subject-level guidance for mathematics.  This guidance is for awarding bodies to help them in designing their specifications and assessments.  The full document can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gce-subject-level-guidance-for-mathematics Requirement for awarding bodies to explain how use of technology will permeate the study of mathematics In the Overarching themes and use of technology section: “ Paragraph 8 of the Content Document states that – 8. The use of technology, in particular mathematical and statistical graphing tools and spreadsheets, must permeate the study of AS and A level mathematics. This statement should be interpreted primarily as indicating the desired approach to teaching GCE Qualifications in Mathematics. However, this statement also has implications for assessments. Consequently, in respect of each GCE Qualification in Mathematics which it makes available, or proposes to make availabl

I recently gave a talk about doing Maths on a smartphone.  I chose four of my favourite apps.  I like these apps because in all of them there are opportunities to think and work mathematically, not just passively observe prepared material. MyScript Calculator MyScript is really easy to use – you just write the calculations with your finger. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visionobjects.calculator&hl=en_GB iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/myscript-calculator-handwriting/id578979413?mt=8 Problem to try: What’s the maximum product of a set of positive numbers that sum to 19? Desmos Desmos is a very user-friendly graphing calculator.  In my experience most people find the interface intuitive and are able to work with it very quickly. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.desmos.calculator&hl=en_GB iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/desmos-graphing-calculator/id653517540?mt=8 Problem to try: What’s the effect

GeoGebra have recently released a version for Android phones. Having played around with it it seems very responsive. The ability to select/drag objects and the speed that it updates appears to be really good - much better than when viewing GeoGebra worksheets via a browser. An example: gradient of the tangent to a curve at a point     This is an example that shows how the gradient of the tangent to a curve at a point varies with the point.  The app is so quick and easy to use that this took me 17 seconds to create (I timed myself!). Use of smartphones in classrooms This app presents a fantastic opportunity to put dynamic maths software into the hands of students.  As I've commented on before, I think the real benefits of technology come when students are using it.  In addition to this there are significant advantages when this is on a device that students have an attachment to and feel ownership of.  Most people feel their own phone is a device that is very personal t