Current Challenges in Integrating Educational Technology into Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education

Developing curriculum and instruction for mathematics education and designing technologically enhanced learning environments are often pursued separately, but may need to be addressed together to effectively link the strengths of technology to performance in mathematics and conceptual understanding. This paper addresses current challenges with educational technology in elementary and middle school mathematics education, as well as technology’s influence on curriculum, instruction, and student performance. Three properties of computer-based technology are described; these properties determine technology’s unique value for elementary and middle school mathematics: engagement and motivation, informative feedback, and visualization. Three computer-based math applications, Doodle Math, Puzzle Me, and GeoShape, are introduced as examples that combine effective learning resources and technology.