ABSTRACT
Technology is changing the way that educators educate and how students learn in the ever-changing educational environment. This research explores the use of technology in mathematics education, emphasizing the ways in which devices such as laptops and mobile apps might improve instruction. Teachers are pushed to employ digital media, which is becoming more and more ingrained in students' lives, to improve the effectiveness and engagement of their lessons.
Numerous advantages come with using technology in mathematics education, such as creative ways to convey difficult ideas and chances for active learning. It helps with the comprehension and recall of mathematical concepts by acting as a motivating and educational tool. The study places a strong emphasis on using MALMATH, a smartphone app that improves students' problem-solving skills by providing them with detailed answers and graphical representations for arithmetic problems.
However, tests like PISA demonstrate that a large number of students still find mathematics difficult, with many having difficulty grasping fundamental concepts. In order to solve these issues, this study uses technology to produce interesting learning materials that are suited for digital natives. The project intends to improve mathematical success and cognitive development by combining native language preferences with mobile technologies.
The results demonstrate how much MALMATH enhances students' performance in thinking, knowing, and solving problems. To help with the integration of MALMATH into mathematics education, an instructional guide was created. It offers suggestions for using MALMATH as an introduction tool, lesson extender, problem-solving incentive, and means of fostering stronger ties between the home and the school. The study suggests looking into the use of MALMATH in additional critical thinking-intensive topics. Future research should continue to explore its potential to enrich mathematics and related disciplines.
INTRODUCTION
In learning, technology is used almost daily. Because knowledge transfer has become a common practice in many countries, it benefits educators and students. Today's breakthroughs and revolutionized civilizations have changed how people think, work, and live as a result of technology integration. The coming of the computer revolution, according to Etcuban (2019). A computer is a technology that can be used in the mathematics classroom in a variety of ways. It may be a tool for improving the efficiency of idea, skill, and problem-solving learning in comparison to conventional practice. Technology can be transformative in the hands of excellent teachers. It cannot function on its own, but if a skilled and knowledgeable instructor uses it, learning would be meaningful. For students to learn effectively, the teacher must employ various technological manipulation or transformation tactics. Almost every aspect of modern life has been impacted by innovation, and education is no exception.
With the advent of technology, classroom teachers are doing its best to support learning through technology. Technology is an incredible motivator, exploratory tool, and instructional tool for students. Teachers, as the ultimate users of such technology, must also be considered, a must the foundation, which includes necessary assistance, training, and so forth.
The lives of contemporary students are predominantly influenced by digital media and technology. The subject matter encompasses various dimensions of connectivity. There is a common assertion that the individuals in question are often identified as millennials or digital natives, who possess diverse educational expectations. There is a notable observation that learners exhibit a keen interest in utilizing technology. The individual's curiosity serves as a driving force behind their exploration of this particular technology, potentially leading to its utilization.
Teachers now have more resources at their disposal to aid students in understanding mathematical ideas, and students of all academic levels can benefit from a balanced approach that combines classic and cutting-edge teaching techniques. Technology is important for both teaching and learning mathematics because it changes curriculum and enhances student learning. Mathematics is not only a subject; it also has a lot of practical uses. As a result of this study, students will get some fundamental knowledge, talents, and life skills that will enable them to make a meaningful contribution to society. In spite of the usefulness of Mathematics, the students find Mathematics a very difficult subject. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a significant number of students at the age of 15 in UNICEF-supported nations struggle to acquire fundamental numeracy abilities. More than half of children, or over 1.3 billion kids, in the majority of these nations do not perform at the required level in mathematics, (OECD, 2023).
Technology-related changes in mathematics have been called for for a while now. Teachers can connect classroom materials with useful and developmentally appropriate tasks that students can engage in by utilizing resources like computers, calculators, and other technology in addition to concrete materials. For example, using technology to learn mathematics can encourage students to engage in more active mathematical practices like thinking, knowing, remembering, judging and problem solving.
Based on learners’ preferences, once it is suitable, the teacher employs technology presenting her lessons. The teacher makes advantage of cellphones by integrating them into the classroom. In some lessons, there are android apps. The selection of applications is contingent upon their ability to assist students in comprehending the material. As a consequence of this, students will acquire an enhanced comprehension of the educational significance of mobile phones. There exist a multitude of freely accessible offline applications that can be effectively employed in the facilitation of teaching and learning. One such application is MALMATH. The aforementioned program is particularly relevant during the initial quarter of Mathematics 8 lectures, as it focuses on the topic of simplifying algebraic expressions. It is anticipated that the adoption of mobile technologies will be as widespread as the diverse range of perspectives on their impact on education.
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