Multimedia and Math Lessons
In the Philippines, effectively using visuals, videos and multimedia in teaching lessons to students does not happen that often. Perhaps it is due to the need for more resources and technological know-how, while some merely do not have the access to the tools.
Multimedia is not all about presenting something colorful and fun to students. Rather, it is about enhancing their interpreting skills and applying these skills to the lessons with a renewed interest and more vigor.
Students these days live in a visual world. They need multi-sensory approaches in their lessons to increase the attention they give in class. Multimedia use helps retain this attention and translates it to participation and learning.
Websites like Math, Programming and Beyond, created in 2000, utilize math and programming skills to achieve a goal. In this case it is to gather important metal from a planet while on an expedition. The website is split into two sections: math and Visual Basic programming—sure to capture students’ interests with its cartoon-like interface and virtual spacecrafts.
Another website, The Problem Site is meant specifically for problem-solving. It has free daily puzzles, educational flash games, word games, math games and various problem pages.
These websites utilize simple computer programs to help students get a better grasp in problem-solving. Most of them are examples of simple C++ programs, and here is how to create one of your own.
- Load up the compiler or source editor.
- Create a new source file.
- Declare the variables. Example is result, solution, score.
- Input the problems to use. Don’t forget to use parentheses for operations that go in a certain order.
- Write the introduction statement. Example is “This is a numbers game. If you want to play, type your answer and press enter.”
- Figure out how the problem system is going to work. What happens if the user’s answer is wrong?
- Design how the score is going to be kept.
- Specify how the program will be closed.
- Debug (find out if there are any errors) and compile (translate into machine language) the program.
- Run.
This can be an interesting math topic for students, which they can create and test on their classmates.
Other examples of websites that can give them ideas are:
- Algebra Help Software – has template generated workbooks that can help students practice arithmetic operations, simplify algebra expressions and graphing.
- Arithmetic CD – has arithmetic lessons with interactive practice and challenge games.
- Brain Builder - Math Edition – has puzzles and games for free downloading.
- CALM - Computer Aided Learning in Mathematics project.
- Easiteach – software in classroom preparation for teachers.
- EM Teachline - problem solving and test authoring software for learning and teaching mathematics.
- Funmaths.com - educational math games for high school students.
- Geometria – has 60 interactive sample solid geometry problems with resolutions
- Living Worksheets for Mathematics – meant for the Excel program, has printable exercise pages for arithmetic and algebra.
- ModuMath Basic Math and Algebra – programs designed for those who struggle with math.
Sources:
“About The Problem Site.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.theproblemsite.com/
“How to Write a Math Practice Program in C++.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Math-Practice-Program-in-C%2B%2B
“Math and Education Software.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Math/Education/Software/
“Math, Programming and Beyond.” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.thinkquest.org/library/site.html?team_id=J002581
“Visuals, Videos, and Multimedia - Why Use Them in Teaching?” Retrieved October 15, 2008 from
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/visuals/
(Published 27 October 2008, Smart Communications, Inc.)
