Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan

Pendidikan di Malaysia adalah suatu usaha berterusan ke arah

memperkembangkan lagi potensi individu secara menyeluruh
dan bersepadu untuk mewujudkan insan yang seimbang dan
harmonis dari segi intelek, rohani, emosi, dan jasmani
berdasarkan kepercayaan dan kepatuhan kepada Tuhan. Usaha
ini adalah bagi melahirkan rakyat Malaysia yang berilmu
pengetahuan,
berketrampilan,
berakhlak
mulia,
bertanggungjawab, dan berkeupayaan mencapai kesejahteraan
diri serta memberi sumbangan terhadap keharmonian dan
kemakmuran keluarga, masyarakat, dan negara.

Falsafah Pendidikan Guru

Guru yang berpekerti mulia, berpandangan progresif dan
saintifik, bersedia menjunjung aspirasi negara serta menyanjung
warisan kebudayaan negara, menjamin perkembangan individu,
dan memelihara suatu masyarakat yang bersatu padu,
demokratik, progresif, dan berdisiplin.

Cetakan Jun 2010

Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia
Hak cipta terpelihara. Kecuali untuk tujuan pendidikan yang tidak
ada
kepentingan
komersial,
tidak
dibenarkan
sesiapa
mengeluarkan atau mengulang mana-mana bahagian artikel,
ilustrasi dan kandungan buku ini dalam apa-apa juga bentuk dan
dengan apa-apa cara pun, sama ada secara elektronik, fotokopi,
mekanik, rakaman atau cara lain sebelum mendapat izin bertulis
daripada Rektor Institut Pendidikan Guru, Kementerian Pelajaran
Malaysia.

iii

MODUL INI DIEDARKAN UNTUK KEGUNAAN PELAJAR-PELAJAR

YANG BERDAFTAR DENGAN BAHAGIAN PENDIDIKAN GURU,
KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN MALAYSIA BAGI MENGIKUTI PROGRAM
PENSISWAZAHAN GURU SEKOLAH RENDAH (PGSR) IJAZAH
SARJANA MUDA PERGURUAN.
MODUL INI HANYA DIGUNAKAN SEBAGAI BAHAN PENGAJARAN DAN
PEMBELAJARAN BAGI PROGRAM-PROGRAM TERSEBUT.

Cetakan Jun 2010

Institut Pendidikan Guru
Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia

ii

CONTENTS

Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan

Falsafah Pendidikan Guru

PAGE

iii

Kata-Alu-aluan Rektor

iv

Learners Guide

vi

Introduction

viii

Distribution of Topics (Interaction and Module)

Learning Topic: Topic 3 - Technology in Mathematics

Synopsis

Learning outcomes

Topic Framework

Unit 1: Hardware
1.0 Synopsis

1.1 Learning outcomes

1.2 Unit Framework

1.3 Introduction

1.4 Hardware

1.4.1 Input devices

1.4.2 Output devices

10

1.4.3 Storage devices

12

1.5 Other Useful Hardware

1.5.1 Interactive whiteboard

13

1.5.2 Visualiser

14

1.5.3 Graphing calculator

16

Unit 2: Software
2.0 Synopsis

17

2.1 Learning outcomes

17

2.2 Unit Framework

18

2.3 Introduction

18

2.4 Teaching Packages

20

2.4.1 Types of instructional software

2.5 Teaching Software

21
23

2.5.1 Microsoft Office software

23

2.5.2 Geometers Sketchpad

26

2.5.3 Other mathematics software

27

Unit 3: Internet and Online Instructions

3.0 Synopsis

30

3.1 Learning outcomes

30

3.2 Unit Framework

31

3.3 Introduction

31

3.4 Internet Search Engines

33

3.5 Online Instructions

35

3.5.1 E-mail

36

3.5.2 Video conferencing

37

3.5.3 Internet forums

38

3.5.4 Online learning

39

Bibliography

45

Panel of Module Writers

46

Panel of Module Reviewers

47

Module Icons

48

ii

PANDUAN PELAJAR

Modul ini disediakan untuk membantu anda menguruskan pembelajaran anda agar
anda boleh belajar dengan lebih berkesan. Anda mungkin kembali semula untuk
belajar secara formal selepas beberapa tahun meninggalkannya. Anda juga mungkin
tidak biasa dengan mod pembelajaran arah kendiri ini. Modul ini memberi peluang
kepada anda untuk menguruskan corak pembelajaran, sumber-sumber
pembelajaran, dan masa anda.
Pembelajaran arah kendiri memerlukan anda membuat keputusan tentang
pembelajaran anda. Anda perlu memahami corak dan gaya pembelajaran anda.
Adalah lebih berkesan jika anda menentukan sasaran pembelajaran kendiri dan aras
pencapaian anda. Dengan cara begini anda akan dapat melalui kursus ini dengan
mudah. Memohon bantuan apabila diperlukan hendaklah dipertimbangkan sebagai
peluang baru untuk pembelajaran dan ia bukannya tanda kelemahan diri.
Modul ini ditulis dalam susunan tajuk. Jangka masa untuk melalui sesuatu tajuk
bergantung kepada gaya pembelajaran dan sasaran pembelajaran kendiri anda.
Latihan-latihan disediakan dalam setiap tajuk untuk membantu anda mengingat
semula apa yang anda telah pelajari atau membuatkan anda memikirkan tentang
apa yang anda telah baca. Ada di antara latihan ini mempunyai cadangan jawapan.
Bagi latihan-latihan yang tiada mempunyai cadangan jawapan adalah lebih
membantu jika anda berbincang dengan orang lain seperti rakan anda atau
menyediakan sesuatu nota untuk dibincangkan semasa sesi tutorial.
Modul ini akan menggantikan satu kredit bersamaan dengan lima belas jam interaksi
bersemuka dalam bilik kuliah. Tiada kuliah atau tutorial diadakan untuk tajuk-tajuk
dalam modul ini. Walau bagaimanapun, anda boleh berbincang dengan pensyarah,
tutor atau rakan anda melalui email jika terdapat masalah berhubung dengan modul
ini.
Anda akan mendapati bahawa ikon digunakan untuk menarik perhatian anda agar
pada sekali imbas anda akan tahu apa yang harus dibuat. Lampiran A menerangkan
kepada anda makna-makna ikon tersebut.
Anda juga diperlukan untuk menduduki peperiksaan bertulis pada akhir kursus.
Tarikh dan masa peperiksaan akan diberitahu apabila anda mendaftar. Peperiksaan
bertulis ini akan dilaksanakan di tempat yang akan dikenal pasti.
Tip untuk membantu anda melalui kursus ini.
1. Cari sudut pembelajaran yang sunyi agar anda boleh meletakkan buku dan
diri anda untuk belajar. Buat perkara yang sama apabila anda pergi ke
perpustakaan.
2. Peruntukkan satu masa setiap hari untuk memulakan dan mengakhiri
pembelajaran anda. Patuhi waktu yang diperuntukkan itu. Setelah membaca
modul ini teruskan membaca buku-buku dan bahan-bahan rujukan lain yang
dicadangkan.

vi

3. Luangkan sebanyak masa yang mungkin untuk tugasan tanpa mengira

sasaran pembelajaran anda.
4. Semak dan ulangkaji pembacaan anda. Ambil masa untuk memahami
pembacaan anda.
5. Rujuk sumber-sumber lain daripada apa yang telah diberikan kepada anda.
Teliti maklumat yang diterima.
6. Mulakan dengan sistem fail agar anda tahu di mana anda menyimpan bahanbahan yang bermakna.
7. Cari kawan yang boleh membantu pembelanjaran anda.

vii

INTRODUCTION
The

MTE3106

Course (Resources in Mathematics) provides an

opportunity for students to explore the applications of various resources in

teaching and learning Mathematics (refer to Allocation of Topics). In this course,
you will be introduced to printed materials, manipulative teaching and learning
aids, technology in Mathematics, Mathematics facilities and management of
resources. This module focuses on Topic 3 of the Course Proforma which covers
aspects of Technology in Mathematics. The module is divided into three subtopics or units, that is, Unit 1 Hardware, Unit 2 Software, and Unit 3 Internet
and Online Instructions.
In this module you will learn about some hardware in technology that are
useful for teaching and learning mathematics. In addition, you will learn about
suitable teaching software packages and courseware that can help learning of
mathematics. Finally, you will learn about the use of the Internet and online
technology to facilitate mathematics teaching and learning
This module provides information as well as activities that require you do
exercises, make notes, think about ideas or search information to facilitate the
learning of the contents specified. For each sub-topic or unit, you are required to
go through the information provided and do the activities suggested, and answer
any questions given. Outcomes of the activities carried out must be filed up in
your folio. If you have doubts about answers to questions, solutions to tasks or
have any queries, note them down and clarify them with your lecturers via e-mail,
OLL or during your face-to-face interactions. You are expected to plan and work
independently, to pace and direct your own learning effectively, and most of all,
go through this module thoroughly to optimise your learning. To consolidate your
learning, you are advised to refer to resources available in your school such as
software packages (e.g. ETeMS courseware) and software in your computer
laboratories. You are also advised to use other readings and references from
books or from the Internet. For this course, it is imperative that you have access
to the Internet to help you understand and master the contents in this module.

viii

ALLOCATION OF TOPICS
The contents of this module will cover learning material equivalent to one credit of
15 hours face-to-face interaction. The table below describes the allocation of
topics for both face-to-face interaction and module for this course.

(Allocation of Topics for Face-to-face Interaction and Learning through Module in

accordance to the Course Pro forma)
Course Title

Resources in Mathematics
(Resos dalam Matematik)

Course Code

MTE3106

Credit

3(3+0)

Contact
Hours

45 hours

Language Of
Delivery

English

Prerequisite To
Entry

Nil

Semester

Four (PGSR)

Learning
Outcomes

1. Choose appropriate and relevant mathematics resources

2. Demonstrate their understanding in using the resources
3. Produce creative manipulative materials to support teaching and
learning in mathematics
4. Display effective management skills in planning and handling
mathematics resources

Synopsis

This course provides an opportunity for students to explore the

applications of various resources in teaching and learning
Mathematics. Students will be introduced to printed materials, teaching
and learning aids, technology in Mathematics, Mathematics facilities
and management of resources.
Kursus ini memberi peluang kepada pelajar untuk menerokai aplikasi
pelbagai resos dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran matematik.
Pelajar akan diperkenalkan dengan bahan bercetak, alat bantu
pengajaran dan pembelajaran, teknologi dalam Matematik,
kemudahan-kemudahan Matematik dan pengurusan resos.

Topic

Content

Printed materials
Books
o text, reference
o Literature books
Integrating literature in
teaching and learning
Mathematics
Journals and articles
Teaching and learning aids
o Manipulative kits: geoboard,
Dienes blocks, Cuisenaire rods,
Base ten blocks
o Nets and solids
o Measuring
instrument
:
weighing scale
o Computing tools: calculators,
abacus, rods & sticks

Face-toface
(Hours)

Module
(Hours)

12

12

Technology in Mathematics
Hardware
o Computers, LCD
Software packages
o Teaching packages
o Teaching software and
courseware
Internet and online instructions

Total
(Hours)

15

15

Mathematics Facilities
Mathematics Laboratory
Mathematics garden
Mathematics corners

Management of resources
Inventory and records
Monitoring and maintenance
Planning and budgeting

Total

30

15

45

TOPIC 3

TECHNOLOGY IN MATHEMATICS

SYNOPSIS
Apart from printed materials and hands-on manipulatives, computers
and the associated technology of the Internet are also useful
resources for mathematics teaching and learning. This module
introduces you to current technological resources that can facilitate
the teaching and learning of mathematics. These resources include
the computer hardware, software packages, coursewares and the
communicative and interactive technology of the Internet that affords
online instructions.

LEARNING OUTCOME
At the end of this module, you are expected to be able to
(1)

differentiate between hardware and software

(2)

identify some applications of hardware and software for teaching

and learning mathematics

(3)

suggest some applications of the communication tools of Internet

for learning

(4)

search the internet for resources for teaching and learning

mathematics
1

TOPIC FRAMEWORK

TECHNOLOGY
IN MATHEMATICS

HARDWARE

Input
devices

Output
devices

INTERNET AND
ONLINE
INSTRUCTIONS

SOFTWARE

Storage
devices

Other
hardware

Teaching
Packages

Types of
Instructional
Software

Teaching
Software

Microsoft
Office

Geometers
Sketchpad

History of the
Internet

Other
software

Internet Search
Engines

E-mail

Online
Instructions

Video
conferencing

Internet
forum

Online
learning

UNIT 1

1.0

Hardware

Synopsis
This unit covers aspects of the computer hardware, which is an
integral component of new technology. The term `hardware will be
explained and basic hardware components in a computer will also be
introduced. This module also presents examples of the three main
categories of hardware input, output and storage devices. In
addition, it also highlights some useful hardware that are helpful for
teaching and learning mathematics.

1.1

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you are expected to be able to
(a)

explain the meaning of hardware

(b)

name the basic components of a desktop computer

(c)

give examples of input, output and storage devices

(d)

suggest some uses of hardware devices for teaching and

learning

(e)

suggest some applications of the interactive whiteboard,

visualiser and graphing calculator for teaching and learning
mathematics
3

1.2

Unit Framework

HARDWARE

Input
devices

1.3

Output
devices

Storage
devices

Other
hardware

Introduction
New technology in teaching and learning mathematics is grounded
very much in the use of computer and its technology. Nowadays almost
everyone has seen or used a computer for work or leisure. In fact, many of
our everyday services like banking, purchasing books, paying bills,
checking summons etc. can be done using the computers. In education,
computers can facilitate teachers work, enhance students learning and
help adminitrators in their work. For example, a teacher can use the
computer to type her examination questions, a student can use the
computer to learn about a particular topic, and the school principal can
use the computer to organise students data. Thus, computers can make a
teachers work better, a students learning more enriching, and a
principals work more efficient. There are many applications of computer
technology in teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. We will be
looking into some of it in the next unit, but first lets take a look at the
hardware that makes up a computer system.

1.4

Hardware
The term computer hardware refers to the various external
electronic components that are required for you to use a computer along
with the hardware components inside the computer case. A desktop
computer usually has the basic components made up of a system unit
containing the central processing unit (CPU), a screen monitor, a
keyboard, a mouse, speakers, and a microphone as shown in Figure 1.1.

(With CPU
inside)

Figure 1.1: Main components of a computer system

Do you know the function for each of the components shown in
Figure 1.1? Lets find out.

Activity 1.1
Use your local library or the Internet, find out the function of
these computer components: CPU unit, screen monitor,
keyboard, mouse, speakers and microphone.
File your answers in your folio.

The system unit is the main component that contains the processor
(CPU) which is like the brain of the computer. The CPU does all the work
for the computer. Specifically, it calculates the mathematics algorithms to
direct data flow and control the operations of the other parts of the
computer. Today all CPUs are microchip processors which can process
information and data at very high speed. Nowadays we have
microprocessors that are in excess of 3 GigaHertz! (3,000,000,000 GHz)
You may have heard of Pentium, Intel Dual Core, Phenom, Opteron and
others which are names of microprocessors developed by companies like
Intel and AMD. You can take a look at the chronology of microprocessors
development at this web site
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microprocessor_chronology
Apart from the CPU, there are many other parts inside the casing of
the system unit that are put together to make the computer work well for a
user to type texts, listen to songs, store videos, or connect to the Internet.
Figure 1.2 shows a diagram of the main parts inside the system unit. You
can read more at the following website
http://www.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm

Figure 1.2: Main parts of the system unit

6

Computer hardware can be physically handled, that is, can be

assembled, substituted or removed from the computer by any person wellversed with the parts. Apart from the internal components that are
assembled inside the CPU, the computer hardware also include
peripherals, that is, devices that are attached to a computer to expand its
capabilities. Generally, the computer hardware peripherals can be
categorised into three main components based on its function, namely:

Input devices

Output devices

Storage devices

Figure 1.3 shows how these devices are related to the CPU in a computer.
Information into the
computer

Input devices

Information
processed by the
computer

CPU

Information in a form
you can use or store

Output &
Storage devices

Figure 1.3: Relationship between input, processing

and output or storage devices.
1.4.1 Input devices
Input devices are external devices, that is, outside the system unit
of the computer that send information and instructions to the computer to
perform some tasks. In other words, an input device lets you communicate
with a computer to do something. The computer keyboard is one example
of an input device. A keyboard is a typewriter-like device that allows the
7

user to type in text and commands to the computer. Some keyboards

have special function keys or integrated pointing devices, such as a
trackball or touch-sensitive regions that let the user's finger motions move
an on-screen cursor, which is basically incorporating what we called a
mouse.
The computer mouse is another input device which is used to point
and select items and commands on the screen. The mouse is a detection
device that enables the user to control the motion of an on-screen pointer,
or cursor, by moving the mouse on a flat surface. In doing so, the user can
perform various functions such as opening a program or file. The mouse
facilitates work by not requiring the user to memorise complicated
commands. Do you know that the mouse was invented way back in 1963
by a researcher from Stanford University in USA? Since then, many types
of computer mouse have been invented such as trackball mouse,
touchpad mouse, optical mouse, cordless mouse and more. Figure 1.4
shows the functions of the parts of a typical mouse. The mouse can input
information to the computer via a serial port, USB port, infrared or
Bluetooth technology. You can find out more on how a mouse work in this
web site
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/mouse2.htm

Figure 1.4: Functions of the parts of a mouse

8

There are many other input devices such as joystick, digital

camera, scanner, modem, Webcam, microphone, and voice recognition
device.
Activity 1.2
Access the internet and find out the function of each of this input
device as shown in Table 1.1 below. Copy the table and file it in
your folio when you are done.
Table 1.1: Common Input Devices and Their Functions
Input
device
Joystick

Function(s)

Digital
camera
Scanner
Modem
Webcam
Microphone
Voice
recognition
device

Activity 1.3
The digital camera can be put to good use for teaching and
learning mathematics.
Think of an activity to illustrate how a mathematics student can
use the digital camera for learning or how a mathematics
teacher can use the digital camera for teaching primary school
mathematics.
Record your ideas, file them in your folio and share them online
in the OLL.

1.4.2 Output devices

Output devices are external devices that transfer information from
the computers CPU to the computer user. For example, the computer
screen monitor is a display unit to convert information generated by the
computer into visual information. A monitor relies on a video card that is
located inside the computer to process the computer data into image
details that the monitor can display. The older monitors use cathode ray
tube (CRT) similar to the TV screen for displays. Nowadays there are
high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) and plasma monitors that give
very sharp and clear images. Watching a movie or playing computer
games would be more enjoyable with these high-resolution computer
screens! Figure 1.5 shows the difference in thickness between a CRT and
an LCD monitor.

A CRT monitor

An LCD monitor

Figure 1.5: Comparison between a CRT and an LCD monitor

Another common output device is the printer. A printer is a
peripheral which produces a copy of readable text and/or graphics of
documents. In other words, printers receive information from the computer
and print them out in text and/or image form, usually on paper or
transparencies. There are many types of printers dot-matrix printers,
10

laser printers and inkjet printers. Dot-matrix printers use tiny wires to
impact upon an inked ribbon to form characters. Laser printers employ
beams of light to draw images on a drum that then picks up fine black
particles called toner. The toner is fused to a page to produce an image.
Inkjet printers fire droplets of ink onto a page to form characters and
pictures. Whichever printer you use, it is good advice to use paper
sparingly to save our environment! The printer is a useful tool for teachers
who can use them to print out worksheets, quizzes, pictorial diagrams, or
photographs for their students to use. For example, a mathematics
teacher who has created a file with diagrams of fraction charts could print
out these diagrams for students to learn about fractions. Alternatively, if a
mathematics teacher has scanned an interesting picture or photographed
one using the digital camera, the images can be viewed directly in the
display monitor or printed out using an ordinary printer or photo printer as
shown in Figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6: Relationship between input and output images

11

If you are presenting a multimedia video about a topic of

mathematics to your students, it would not be engaging if there is no
sound. Can you imagine watching someone talk or sing but cannot hear a
single word he is saying or singing? It would not be effective in getting the
message across to the audience. This brings us to another useful output
device for teaching and learning mathematics, that is, the speakers.
Speakers take digital information from a computer file or from external
audio devices like CDs or DVDs and transform it into actual sounds that
we can hear. For example, if you have a recorded video clip of a teacher
teaching about decimals, the speakers converts the digital information in
the video clip into audio sounds which allow you to listen to the words said
by the teacher.

Activity 1.4
Speakers are useful devices in a mathematics classroom. As a
mathematics teacher, can you think of two uses of the speakers
in a mathematics class?
Record your ideas and file them in your folio.

Facsimiles or fax machines, photocopiers, plotters, projectors and

headphones are some other output devices. In fact, improved output
devices such as some multi-purpose printers can perform various
functions like printing, photocopying and scanning all in a single machine.
You can find out more about these devices in the Internet.

1.4.3 Storage devices

Storage devices are designed to store digital information. Storage
devices provide permanent storage of information for retrieval by
computer until that information is deleted or changed. While computers
have internal storage equipment such as the Random Access Memory
(RAM), we will focus only on the external storage devices. These include
12

the floppy discs, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), the USB
Flash Drive, and the removable hard drives. Figure 1.7 shows some
common storage devices.

Figure 1.7: Common storage devices

These storage devices store information in bytes a byte is a
character, which is a letter, number or symbol. There are 256 standard
characters used by almost all computers. A typical high-density floppy disc
has 1.44 MB, which is equivalent to 1,000,000 bytes. Nowadays the floppy
discs are of limited use with more devices with higher storage capacity
being invented to store multimedia content. For example, a standard CD
can hold up to 800 MB of data while a single-sided, double-layer DVD can
store up to 8.5 GB of data, a USB Flash Drive can hold up to 200 GB, and
a high-capacity external hard drive can store up to 500 GB of data!

1.5

Other Useful Hardware

1.5.1 Interactive Whiteboard
An integrated system that makes use of both input and output
devices is the interactive whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard (input
device) has a large interactive display that connects to a computer and a
projector (output device) and typically mounted on a floor stand or to a
wall. The projector beams the image of computer onto a whiteboard and
by writing or touching the interactive whiteboard screen, messages are
input back to the computer. Thus, the computer sends out information
13

through the projector onto the whiteboard which then can capture new
information to be sent back to the computer to change the original
information. Figure 1.8 shows a simplified diagram on how the interactive
whiteboard works.

Whiteboard:
Every touch on
the board is like
a mouse-click
on a computer
screen. The
whiteboard
sends messages
back to the
computer
changes occur
and the image
on the board
changes in
response

Projector: send messages

to the projector and
receives messages from
the whiteboard

Computer: send messages

to the projector and
receives messages from the
whiteboard

Figure 1.8: Simplified diagram on how the interactive whiteboard work

1.5.2 Visualiser
In essence, a visualiser is a digital camera mounted on an arm that
can capture image of objects placed on a base and the image can then be
projected on a screen or an interactive whiteboard. Figure 1.9 shows
some examples of visualisers.

Visualisers are useful when a teacher

needs to show some objects or demonstrate some manipulation of objects

that can be projected to the whole class. With most visualisers, you can
zoom in and out, freeze and capture an image and then review the image
captured. Software that accompanies the visualiser allows for further
manipulation of the image or artefact such as time-lapse capture to track
14

changes over a period of time. Using the visualiser, teachers can display
real world examples or student work for evaluation by the class as well as
use the interactive whiteboard features, if connected to one, to highlight,
underline and write on documents that are displayed. Students in the back
of the room are able to see what the teacher is trying to show them. For
example, in learning about shapes a teacher can use a visualiser to show
how a cube is folded from a net and students can then follow the folding
process. In this way, the students can be more engaged and involved in
the learning process

Figure 1.9: Examples of visualisers

Activity 1.5
Visualisers can be used to show or demonstrate a number of
things in a mathematics class.
Think two uses of the visualiser in a mathematics class.
Record your ideas, file them in your folio and share them in
OLL.

15

1.5.3 Graphing calculator

A graphing calculator is a handheld calculator that is able to plot
graphs,

solve

simultaneous

equations

and

perform

complicated

mathematical operations. Newer versions have programming capability

where users can create customised programmes. These new models can
also display graphics in colour and permit 3D graphing. Figure 1.10 shows
a graphing calculator from Texas Instruments. Graphing calculator is an
especially useful tool for secondary or tertiary mathematics while its use in
primary mathematics may be limited. Nevertheless, some models are
installed with interactive geometry software like Cabri 3D which can be
used to teach about shapes in primary school mathematics.

Figure 1.10: An example of a graphing calculator

TAKE A BREAK !
Take a short break before you continue with the next unit.
A computer joke:
Hardware, that part of a computer which can be kicked.
If you can only swear at it, it is software!!

16

UNIT 2

2.0

Software

Synopsis
This unit covers aspects of the computer software, without
which the computer hardware cannot function. The term `software will
be explained. This module also distinguishes the various types of
instructional software. Examples of teaching software using Microsoft
Office programmes, Geometers Sketchpad and other mathematics
software will be used to illustrate how they can be utilised in teaching
and learning mathematics.

2.1

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you are expected to be able to
(a)

explain the meaning of software

(b)

identify the types of instructional software

(c)

give examples of using Microsoft Office programmes for

teaching and learning mathematics

(d)

suggest some ideas of using the Geometers Sketchpad and

other

mathematics

software

for

teaching

and

learning

mathematics
17

2.2

Unit Framework
SOFTWARE

Teaching
Packages

Types of Instructional
Software

2.3

Teaching
Software

Microsoft
Office

Geometers
Sketchpad

Other
software

Introduction
The computer cannot run with only the physical hardware
assembled. It needs programmes or written instructions to tell the
computer hardware what to do. These programmes are the computer
software.

In other words, a computer software is a programme or a

sequence of intructions written to perform a specific task for a computer.

This software is written in the language of computer programming where
logic of the instructions can be read and carried out by the microprocessor
in the computer. Computer software allows information to be processed
by the microprocessor that together acts as the brain of the computer,
telling the computer hardware what to do and when and how to do it.
Without the software, the hardware is just a piece of device without
function. Computer software translates an action such as clicking a mouse
into a language that the computer hardware can follow and perform a task,
like saving information into a floppy disc. On the other hand, without the
hardware all written instructions in a piece of software cannot be executed
and performed. It is like having the thoughts but without the brain and
body to carry the thoughts! In short, both hardware and software are
complementary and interdependent to make a computer work.
18

Software are created by computer programmers and software

engineers. There are many types of computer software mainly
categorised as system software or application software. System software
helps run the computer hardware and the computer system. The Windows
operating system is an example of a system software. Application
software is software designed to help users perform a particular task that
benefits them. For example, the Microsoft Word is an application software
that helps you type out your text, SPSS ia a statistical application software
that allows you to analyse data statistically, and Geometers Sketchpad is
an application software to help students learn about geometry. While
system software is important for computer to function, we will be focusing
on application software in this unit.

Activity 2.1
There are many application software that you have come across
and used either in your work or leisure. List down an example of
each in Table 2.1 below.
Copy the table and file it up in your folio.
Table 2.1: Example of application software
Function
Typing text

Example
Microsoft Word

Making
Presentations
Watching movies
Browsing the
internet
Sending an email
Playing an audio
file
Burn a CD/DVD

19

2.4

Teaching packages
A teaching package can be defined as consisting of one or more
related programmes packaged together for an educational purpose. While
the Microsoft Office suite packages a word processing programme, a
presentation programme, a spreadsheet programme or an internet
browsing programme which can be used to enhance instructional
activities, this package of software may not always be used for teaching or
instruction. We will see how this software package can be used for
teaching later, but first let us look at some specific instructional or teaching
package. Teaching package contains programme(s) that delivers all or
part of a students instruction on a given topic or in some way assist the
learning of the topic. Teaching package can be a courseware package
that bundles together various lessons, tests, or other learning activities
and materials.
When our Ministry of Education (MOE) implemented the teaching of
Mathematics and Science in English (ETeMS), interactive teaching
packages were produced in collaboration with Telekom and Educational
Technology Division of MOE to help teachers and students learn
mathematics in that medium. These instructional packages are selfcontained stand-alone multimedia learning resources where teachers can
use them in the classroom or students can use them on their own. These
instructional packages present interactive tutorials to explain or facilitate
some important mathematical concepts or procedures. They also contain
drill and practice interactions that students can practice their mathematical
skills as well as revision questions that allow students to test their skills.
Figure 2.1 shows some screen shots of the Year 1 Courseware covering
the learning outcome of finding the difference between two numbers
through one-to-one matching. In this activity, students can listen to audio
explanations, see pictorial representations, and use the mouse to select
options and click and drag pictures. Feedback to their actions is given in
the form of audio and visual cues.
20

Figure 2.1: Screen shots of the MOE Year 1 Teaching-learning

Courseware for Mathematics

2.4.1 Types of instructional software

There are a number of instructional software that can be
incorporated into teaching-learning package or courseware. Robbyler,
Edwards and Havriluk (1997) identified five main types of instructional
software:

Drill ( or drill and practice software)

Programmes that allow learners to work problems or answer
questions and get feedback on correctness.

Tutorial software
Programmes that act like tutors by providing all the information and
instructional activities that a learner needs to master a given topic
(e.g., information summaries, explanation, practice routines,
feedback, and assessment)

21

Simulation software
Programmes that model real or imagine systems to show how
those systems or similar ones work

Instructional games
Programmes designed to increase motivation by adding game rules
to learning activities

Problem solving software

Programmes that (a) teach directly (through explanation and/or
practice) the steps in solving problems, or (b) help learners acquire
problem-solving skills by given them opportunities to solve
problems.
Activity 2.2
Your school should have the teaching-learning coursware for
ETeMS for mathematics. Pick a set of coursware for a particular
year, for example, Year 2. Study the courseware carefully and
try out some of the learning activities.
State to what extent the different types of instructional software
are incorporated in the package. Tick () or (x) for each type of
software if it is present or not present in the courseware. For
each software that is present describe how the activity is
conducted int the courseware. Use Table 2.2 to help you
organise your finding. Share your answers in the OLL and file
them in your folio.
Table 2.2: Types of software present in the Courseware
Type of software
Drill and practice

Present

Description of activity

Tutorial
Simulation
Instructional game
Problem solving

22

2.5

Teaching software
Various software are available that can be used to enhance the
teaching and learning of mathematics in schools. Some of these software
are not specific to mathematics but can be applied by teachers to facilitate
teaching of mathematics, while others are designed specifically for
learning mathematics. Lets take a look at some of the software.

2.5.1 Microsoft Office software

The Microsoft Office package of programmes are interrelated
desktop applications and services that can be used by mathematics
teacher to enrich their teaching. An MS Office package may include the
word processing software Microsoft Word, the presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint, the spreadsheet programme Microsoft Excel, and
the publishing software Microsoft Publisher. The Table 2.3 shows the
basic function of these programmes.

Table 2.3: Microsoft Office software and function

Type of software

What it does

Microsoft Word

Allows you to type up a document, such

as a worksheet.

Microsoft Excel

Allows you to type in figures, use

formulas and create charts.

Microsoft
PowerPoint

Allows you to create presentations

composed of texts, graphics, movies and
other objects for teaching, etc.

Microsoft
Publisher

Allows you to create brochures, greeting

cards, newsletters, etc.

Microsoft Word itself is not designed specifically for teaching and

learning of mathematics. However, it has some features in the application
that can be used by mathematics teacher. For example, in the insert
function there are 2D and 3D shapes which can be selected and drawn by
teachers or students for learning purposes. Students can use drawn 2D
23

shape such as squares and triangles and describe their properties and
then type them out using MS Word. The programme also has an Equation
Editor in the Insert Object function menu. This feature is very useful for
teachers to type out their questions involving mathematical symbols for
worksheets and test papers. Figure 2.2 shows a composite diagram on
how to select the Microsoft Equation in MS Word 2003.
1. Click Insert

2. Click Object

3. Select Microsoft
Equation 3.0

4. Click OK

Figure 2.2: How to select the Microsoft Equation editor object

Now lets try out the Equation Editor.
Activity 2.3
Use the Microsoft Equation object to perform these tasks:
(a) Type out three questions involving addition of fractions,
subtraction involving mixed numbers, and multiplication
involving whole numbers and fractions
(b) Type out the solution in the standard written algorithm (long
division form) for the following division problems
(i)
344 8
(ii)
1055 6

24

Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations

and Microsoft Publisher brochures can all be designed for the context of
learning mathematics. It depends on the creative effort of teachers to
explore how these tools can be used for enhancing mathematics teaching
and

learning.

For

example

you

can

go

this

http://www.microsoft.com/Education/DisplayFractions.aspx

web
to

site

view

an

example of how a spreadsheet can be used to display fraction

computations. The following site at
http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointlessonplans/ig/PowerPoint
-Math-Lessons/Subtraction-Using-PowerPoint.htm

shows

simple

illustration on how a teacher can create a PowerPoint presentation to

teach subtraction involving missing addend problems. There are many
more ideas that you can get from the Internet. Lets see how resourceful
you are in searching ideas for teaching mathematics using Microsoft
programmes.
Activity 2.4
Search the Internet for ideas on how to use the following
Microsoft programmes to enhance your teaching of primary
school mathematics.
Take notes of the teaching ideas and file them up in your folio.
Share your ideas with your coursemates during face-to-face
interactions or in the OLL.
1. Microsoft Word
2. Microsoft Powerpoint
3. Microsoft Excel
[Suggestion: see this site
http://www.fi.edu/qa98/me5/me5.html]
4. Microsoft Publisher

Other than Microsoft Office software, packages like Adobe

Illustrator and CorelDraw contain graphic tools that can help mathematics
teachers create diagrams for teaching purposes.
25

2.5.2 Geometers Sketchpad

Apart from non-mathematical software like Microsoft Office
programmes which can be utilised to facilitate mathematics teaching,
there are also software that are designed specifically for teaching and
learning mathematical concepts and skills. The Geometers Sketchpad is
an example. This software is a dynamic interactive programme that helps
students learn mathematical concepts in geometry, algebra and calculus
by visualisation and interaction. It has the capability of allowing students to
construct and explore geometrical shapes and properties in a dynamic
interactive environment. Consequently, students can use the Geometers
Sketchpad to build and investigate properties of mathematical models,
objects, figures, diagrams and graphs. Figure 2.3 shows a screen shot of
a Geometers Sketchpad activity that demonstrates the grouping concept
to lead students to the place value concept.

Figure 2.3: Example of a Geometers Sketchpad activity

You can get more teaching ideas from the Key Curriculum Press
website, which is the developer of Geometers Sketchpad, at this address
http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/General_Resources/Classroom_Activiti
es.html
26

Activity 2.5
Go to this web site
http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/emt669/Student.Folders/Lewis.Millard
/unit/DayOne.html
You can download a Geometers Sketchpad file that can show
the multiplication of fractions. Of course to open this file you
need to install the programme in your computer.

2.5.3 Other mathematics software

There are a number of programmes available on the Internet that
are suitable for teaching and learning mathematics. Some of these
programmes are free while others require you to purchase them. Many of
these are drill and practice software which allow students to have (a)
control over the level or pace of the practice, and (b) appropriate feedback
for correct answers. For example, you can download a trial copy of a drill
and

practice

mathematics

quiz

in

http://www.qmsoftware.com.au/SpellingGames.htm

this
called

web

site

the

ABC

Spelling and Math Games. This software allows students to practice

mathematics questions at primary level with appropriate feedback; and
correct responses are tracked to indicate performance. In addition, a
teacher can design his/her own quizzes for specific learning outcome
involving the basic operations for numbers, fractions, decimals and
percentage. Figure 2.4 shows a screen shot of a sample mathematics quiz
involving addition of fractions. You should download the software and take
a look at the example.
Although drill and practice software are good for rehearsal and
revision of mathematical skills involving basic operations, they lack the
capability to develop higher-order mathematical skills such as problem
solving. Hence, developers have created more complex and integrated
courseware that enables students to build problem solving skills. One
27

example is the Adventures of Jasper Woodburry Series developed by

Vanderbilt University, USA. This series consists of 12 video-disc based
adventures that focus on mathematical problem finding and problem
solving. Each adventure provides multiple opportunities for problem
solving, reasoning, communication and making connections to other areas
such as science, social studies, literature and history. You can read more
about this interesting series from this address
http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/projects/funded/jasper/intro/Jasperintro.html

Figure 2.4: Example of a mathematics teaching software

Activity 2.6
Surf the Internet and look for one example each of the following
type of software or courseware that can help you in teaching
and learning mathematics for primary school.
(a) Drill and practice software
(b) Problem solving software
For each software or courseware comment on the usefulness
for your teaching in your school. File your comments in the folio
and share them in the OLL.

28

TAKE A BREAK !
Take a break before you continue with the next unit.
Here is a funny poem for you to relax your mind!
A Poem about Computers
A computer was something on TV
From a science fiction show of note.
A window was something you hated to clean...
And ram was the cousin of a goat.....
Meg was the name of my girlfriend
And gig was a job for the nights
Now they all mean different things
And that really mega bytes
An application was for employment
A program was a TV show
A cursor used profanity
A keyboard was a piano
Memory was something that you lost with age
A CD was a bank account
And if you had a 3 1/2" floppy
You hoped nobody found out
Compress was something you did to the garbage
Not something you did to a file
And if you unzipped anything in public
You'd be in jail for a while
Log on was adding wood to the fire
Hard drive was a long trip on the road
A mouse pad was where a mouse lived
And a backup happened to your commode
Cut you did with a pocket knife
Paste you did with glue
A web was a spider's home
And a virus was the flu
I guess I'll stick to my pad and paper
And the memory in my head
I hear nobody's been killed in a computer crash
But when it happens they wish they were dead!
(Source: Easy Desk Software at http://www.easydesksoftware.com/compoem.htm)

29

UNIT 3

3.0

Internet and Online Instructions

Synopsis
This

unit

covers

development

of

the

Internet

and

its

applications. Specifically, the function of search engines will be

explained.

This

module

also

discusses

some

uses

of

the

communication technology including e-mail, video conferencing, and

Internet forum discussion. In addition, some aspects of online learning
involving distance learning, e-learning and web-based learning will be
discussed. Examples of mathematics resources site are also provided.

3.1

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you are expected to be able to
(a)

state briefly the history of the Internet

(b)

use suitable search engine to search for resources

(c)

identify some uses of communication technology for teaching

and learning

(d)

suggest some web-based resources for e-learning and webbased learning

(e)

identify suitable professional sites as resources for teaching and

learning mathematics

30

3.2

Unit Framework
INTERNET AND
ONLINE INTRUCTIONS

History of the
Internet

Internet Search
Engines

E-mail

3.3

Online
Instructions

Video
conferencing

Internet
forum

Online
learning

Introduction A Brief History of the Internet

Nowadays almost everyone is familiar with the Internet. In fact,
some people cannot go a day without using the Internet! Many students
and teachers are using the internet for various purposes connecting with
friends, accessing information and news, viewing multimedia content and
many more. While the Internet serves many purposes, it is the role of the
Internet in facilitating learning both inside and outside the classroom that
we are interested in. Before we look at how Internet facilitates teaching
and learning of mathematics, do you know what the Internet is?
Here is one summarised explanation from Wikipedia, an online
encyclopedia. The Internet ia a global system of interconnected computer
networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve
billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of
millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks
of local to global scope that are linked by a broad array of electronic and
optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a vast array
of information resources

and

services,

most

notably

the

inter-

linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the
infrastructure to support electronic mail (Wikipedia, retrieved May 2010).
31

To understand more about how the network of networks is

developed, lets take a brief look at how the Internet began.

Activity 3.1
Access the internet through this URL
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/net-history.shtml and you
will see a timeline of the history of the Internet. Fill up Table 3.1
below with the important events that shape the development of
the Internet. Copy the table and file it in your folio.
Table 3.1: A brief history of the Internet
Year
1962

Event(s)

1968
1972
1973
1974
1976
1983
1988
1990
1992
1996
1999

32

3.4

Internet Search Engines

The Internet is a massive connection of networks with millions of
addresses that provide various sources of data and information. To look
up the relevant data or information requires search engines to search the
World-Wide Web for related web pages, images, information and other
types of files efficiently. Otherwise, it is quite impossible to look for what
you need in a sea of information its like looking for a pin in an ocean!
Search engines are special sites on the Web that are designed to help
internet users find relevant information stored on other sites. There are
differences in the ways various search engines work, but they all perform
three basic tasks:

They search the Internet (i.e. the World Wide Web) -- or select
pieces of the Internet -- based on important words.

They keep an index of the words they find, and where they find
them.

They allow users to look for words or combinations of words

found in that index.

You can read more about how search engines work in this web site with
the

address

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/search-

engine.htm
There are various search engines available to help students and
teachers of mathematics to look for information and materials ranging from
textual articles to multimedia videos. Mozilla Firefox, Google, Altavista,
Yahoo! Search, Ask.com, Bing are some commonly used search engines.
Some search engines are specialised to look up information on specific
area. For example, YouTube is a search engine that help search for video
files, Technorati specialises in looking up blogs (short for Web Logs), and
Google Scholar search for academic materials. For a list of search
engines go to this site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_search_engines

33

Lets practice some Internet search and surfing!

Activity 3.2
Select a search engine of your choice and look up some
websites that are relevant to primary school mathematics.
Describe briefly how you can use the information from three
websites to teach primary mathematics. File up your search and
share your information in the OLL.
Site 1: URL _________________________________________
Description of use:

Site 2: URL _________________________________________

Description of use:

Site 2: URL _________________________________________

Description of use:

34

3.5

Online Instructions
The Internet is becoming a useful mode of learning. Research has
indicated that technology like the Internet plays a critical role in changing
the classroom learning environments. Learning on the Internet or learning
online has the potential to enrich the learning experience of many
students. With its vast resources of information and capability to provide
information at a click of a button, learners can have access to learning
materials that are not confined to textbooks and libraries. And the ability to
connect between users means the Internet can deliver instruction which is
not limited by distance and time. There are many ways the technology
provided by the Internet can change and enrich learning experiences. For
example, a mathematics student from Malaysia can learn from another
mathematics student in America at any time of the day through sharing
ideas, comparing resources, and interacting with each other. Alternatively,
a mathematics student can access suitable web sites that provide drill and
practice exercises on a particular topic and learn at his own pace and
time.

Activity 3.3
Think of some other ways that a mathematics student can learn
using the Internet. Record your thoughts and share them online
in the OLL.
Learning mathematics via the Internet:

35

For mathematics teachers, the Internet is an abundant resource

provider that can help them make their teaching more constructive,
engaging and rewarding for their students. The challenge lies in locating,
accessing and integrating these materials meaningfully into their schools
mathematics curricula and using the materials appropriately for teaching
and learning of mathematics. The Internet is also a way of making
connection between mathematics teachers around the world where they
can network and share experiences, teaching resources and ideas.
How can students and teachers of mathematics connect,
communicate and collaborate using the Internet? Well, there are several
ways it can be done.

3.5.1 E-Mail
Every day all over the world, netizens or citizens of the Internet
send out billions of email messages. The e-mail has become an
indispensable communication tool for many people. The e-mail message
is basically a simple text message sent to a recipient. Nowadays you can
send an e-mail message with attachments which can be image, video and
other digital files. To send and receive e-mails you need to have an e-mail
client. You can use stand-alone e-mail clients like Microsoft Outlook,
Outlook Express, Eudora, Pegasus or you can register for free e-mail
services like Yahoo, Hotmail or Google Mail.
As a teacher, you can use the e-mail to send mathematics
assignment tasks, exercise questions, revision questions, information
about class schedules, video of recorded teaching and many other
learning materials to your students. In reply, the students can attach their
solutions, queries, and project papers for you to check and provide
feedback without having to use printed materials. Teachers can use the email to network with other mathematics teachers locally or globally in order
to share and learn from each other.

36

3.5.2 Video Conferencing

Video conferencing allows people from two or more locations to
communicate by seeing and hearing each other at the same time. They
can exchange visual information in the form of videos as well as audio
content. The simplest video conferencing is the point-to-point involving two
people where you need the following:

A computer

An Internet connection

A telephone, if audio content is not provided online

A PC with a microphone, a Webcam or digital video camera, and

a video capture card

Video input from the camera and audio input from the microphone are
converted to digital data that can be sent through the Internet or a wireless
network. When the data reaches the participant of the conference, the
video and audio are viewed and heard on a computer, television screen or
mobile phone. Figure 3.1 shows a simplified diagram of how the video
conference works.

Figure 3.1: A simple diagram of how video conferencing works

37

Activity 3.4
Video conferencing may help students learn mathematics when
they are absent from the school for some reasons. Think about
how a mathematics teacher can use video conferences to help
the students learn what the teacher is teaching. File up your
ideas and share them during your face-to-face interactions.

3.5.3 Internet Forums

An internet forum or message board is an online discussion site
where users can post comments to discuss a wide range of topics. Many
distance learning programmes in universities incorporate this technology
as part of the learning mode for their students. The advantage of this
technology is the ability to allow groups of users to build online learning
communities where learning is communicated and collaborated. For
example, a mathematics teacher can set up an online discussion forum
where his/her students can post comments, answers and solutions about
a particular topic of mathematics. There are free software available where
you can set up a discussion forum for a group of students. bbPress,
phpBB, Vanilla, and Phorum are some free forum software. Apart from
these you can subscribe to professional sites to take part in forum
discussions. Figure 3.2 shows a screen capture of a forum discussion
about fractions at the Math Forum@Drexel web site.

Activity 3.5
Search the Internet for other discussion forum sites that are
useful for mathematics teachers. Jot down the address and
comments on the topics discussed. File up your search in your
folio.

38

Figure 3.2: Example of mathematics discussion forum

3.5.4 Online learning
The Internet has been used to deliver learning and instruction in
recent years. A number of universities all over the world are embracing the
technology to conduct distance learning. A common feature of distance
learning programmes is that there is a separation of teacher and learner in
time or place, or in both time and place. This process of extending
learning opportunity away from the classrooms or lecture rooms means
effective ways are needed to deliver instructional materials and resources
to learners over a distance at various times. The advent of the Internet
with its communicative feature plus the capability to send digital
information quickly allows distance learning to be conducted via elearning.
E-learning or electronic learning is any learning that uses the
Internet to deliver some form of instruction to a learner or learners
separated by time, distance or both (Reiser & Dempsey, 2002). Some
universities who provides e-learning do so by providing assistance to
learners through a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS is a
software application that is used to organise and provide access to online
services for students and instructors. These services usually include

39

access to course guides, notes, communication tools, as well as

discussion forum. For example, Open University of Malaysia provides
distance learning programmes via a blended mode of e-learning that
incorporates an LMS with online discussion, e-mail communication and
links to digital collection of resources.

Activity 3.6
There are many benefits of enrolling a course through elearning. Surf the Internet and jot down some benefits. File up
your answers in the folio.
Benefits of e-learning:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

E-learning is not necessary only carried out by institutions of higher

learning. Organisations, professional institutions, commercial enterprises,
or individuals can design and deliver e-learning to any interested parties.
There are many web sites on the Internet that provide learning courses or
specific learning content given either free or charged a payment. This form
of learning where a learner can access a web site to learn
comprehensively about some topics is often called web-based learning.
Web-based learning materials may include content presentations,
tutorials, practice questions and solutions, quizzes, video demonstrations,
40

educational games, virtual learning environments etc. and most of these

are often interactive. Figure 3.3 shows a mathematics resource site that
provides

web-based

learning

materials

with

links

to

interactive

mathematics tools and activities for students and teachers.

Figure 3.3: A web site with interactive links for web-based learning
A number of professional web sites are available online that provide
useful resource materials for mathematics teachers and students. One
such site is the NCTM Illuminations web site constructed by The National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in USA. This web site
[URL:http://illuminations.nctm.org/] supports mathematics teachers with
helpful and informative resources and links that help teachers develop
professionally. In this site mathematics teachers can access mathematics
teaching and learning activities, lesson plans, mathematics tools as well
as links to other mathematics teaching and learning web sites. Both
primary and secondary mathematics resources are available in this web
site. Figure 3.4 shows the main web page of the NCTM Illuminations site.
Another useful mathematics resource site for teaching and learning
mathematics

for

all

levels

is

TheMathForum@Drexel

[URL:

http://mathforum.org/teachers/] where teachers can contribute, share and

learn from each other too.
41

Figure 3.4: The NCTM Illuminations web site

In conclusion, there is a wealth of mathematics resources in the

Internet that a resourceful teacher can utilised, especially in conjunction
with the current hardware and software available. Embrace technology to
enhance pedagogy!

Activity 3.7
Many more interesting and helpful web sites are available for
mathematics teachers and students.
Surf the net and identify
(a) two web sites that are relevant to mathematics teachers to
obtain teaching resources, and
(b) two web sites that have interactive learning materials for
primary school mathematics students.
For each web site, do a screen capture of the page and provide
a brief description on how it can be used by teachers or
students. The results of this activity should be filed up in your
folio and share your search results in the OLL or during your
face-to-face interactions.

42

Review Exercise
It is time to review what you have learned from this module.
Answer the following questions and file up your answers in your
folio.
1. State the meaning of hardware of a computer.
2. Name three major types of hardware.
3. Give three examples of input devices
4. Give three examples of output devices
5. Give three examples of storage devicee
6. State one feature of an interactive whiteboard
7. Give one advantage of using a visualiser in a mathematics
class
8. What is the difference between a system software and an
application software?
9. Name the five main types of instructional software
10. Give one application of using MS Word in a mathematics
class.
11. State one benefit of using Geometers Sketchpad in a
mathematics classroom.
12. What is the benefit of using a problem solving software?
13. Name two internet search engines.
14. Give one use of the e-mail in mathematics teaching.
15. Describe one way video conference can be used for
mathematics teaching and learning.
16. Give one example of web-based learning.
17. Give an example of a professional website that has good
mathematics resources.

43

Food for Thought

Technology is increasingly used in education with huge amount
spent in developing the infostructure for ICT in schools. Yet,
some people question whether the financial investment is worth
the returns from ICT in Education
Discuss this issue with your coursemates in the OLL.

CONGRATULATIONS!
You have succeeded in completing this module.
Learning is not achieved by chance, it must be sought
for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
Abigail Adams

44

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Burns, M. (1992). About Teaching Mathematics. Maths Solution.
Foresman, S. (2000). Interactive mathematics: Lessons and tools. NJ: Prentice
Hall.
Haylock, D. (2003). Understanding mathematics in the lower primary years. UK:
Paul Chapman Publication.
Jennings, S., & Dunne, R. (2003). I see maths books. vol 1-3. UK: Mashford
Colour Press.
National Curriculum Council. (1991). Prime calculators: Children and
mathematics. UK: Simon and Schuster.
Reiser, R.A., & Dempsey, J.A. (Eds.) (2002). Trends and issues in instructional
design and technology. Upper Saddle River , New Jersey : Merrill/Prentice
Hall.
Robbyler, M.D., Edwards, J., & Havriluk, M.A. (1997). Integrating educational
technology into teaching. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:
Merrill/Prentice Hall.
Trautman, A. P., & Lichenberg, B. K. (2003). Mathematics: A good beginning . 6th
ed. UK: Wadsworth/ Thompson Inc.
Internet websites:
http://www.davesite.com/webstation/net-history.shtml
http://mathforum.org/teachers/
http://illuminations.nctm.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_search_engines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/search-engine.htm
http://www.coolmath.com/
http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/projects/funded/jasper/intro/Jasperintro.html
http://www.askdeb.com/blog/technology/what-is-computer-software/
http://www.rsclondon.ac.uk/fileadmin/docs/curriculum/staff_dev/learning_journey/documents/ag
_smartboards.pdf
http://www.jisc.ac.uk/uploaded_documents/Interactivewhiteboards.pdf
http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/maths/activities/year3/number_dea
ns/question.asp
http://www.rsclondon.ac.uk/fileadmin/docs/curriculum/staff_dev/learning_journey/documents/ag
_smartboards.pdf

45

PANEL OF MODULE WRITERS

PROGRAM PENSISWAZAHAN GURU SEKOLAH RENDAH
(MTE 3016 MATEMATIK PENDIDIKAN RENDAH)
NAME
PANEL HEAD
NAME: DR. LAM KAH KEI
POSITION: SENIOR MATHEMATICS
LECTURER
E-MAIL: vlam@tm.net.my

QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Doctorate (PhD)
(Mathematics Education)
2. Master of Education
(Curriculum & Instruction)
3. B.Sc.Ed (Hons.)
(Biology, Mathematics)
WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Mathematics Lecturer: 1991 2008
2. Seniour Mathematics Lecturer: 2008
now

PANEL MEMBER

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. B.Sc.Ed.Physics, Mathematics

NAME: JOHARI B. BAPOKUTTY

POSITION: MATHEMATICS LECTURER
E-MAIL: jbmptaakl@Hotmail.com

PANEL MEMBER
NAME: JOHNSON A/L SAVARIMUTHU
POSITION: MATHEMATICS LECTURER
E-MAIL:
johnsavarimuthu_1968@yahoo.com

WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Mathematics Lecturer: 1995 1998
2. Examination Secretary: 1999 2008
3. Mathematics Lecturer/Unit Head: 2009 now

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. M.Ed
(Mathematics)
2. B.Ed
(Mathematics)
WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Mathematics Lecturer: 2008 - now
2. School mathematics teacher: 1993
2007

46

PANEL OF MODULE REVIEWERS

PROGRAM PENSISWAZAHAN GURU SEKOLAH RENDAH
(MTE 3106 MATEMATIK PENDIDIKAN RENDAH)
NAMA
PANEL HEAD
NAME: DR. LAM KAH KEI
POSITION: SENIOR MATHEMATICS
LECTURER
E-MAIL: vlam@tm.net.my

KELAYAKAN
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Doctorate (PhD)
(Mathematics Education)
2. Master of Education
(Curriculum & Instruction)
3. B.Sc.Ed (Hons.)
(Biology, Mathematics)
WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Mathematics Lecturer: 1991 2008
2. Seniour Mathematics Lecturer: 2008
now

PANEL MEMBER

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. B.Sc.Ed.Physics, Mathematics

NAME: JOHARI B. BAPOKUTTY

POSITION: MATHEMATICS LECTURER
E-MAIL: jbmptaakl@Hotmail.com

WORK EXPERIENCE:
1. Mathematics Lecturer: 1995 1998
2. Examination Secretary: 1999 2008
3. Mathematics Lecturer/Unit Head: 2009 now

(NAMA)

(KELULUSAN)

(JAWATAN)

PHD/SARJANA/SARJANA
MUDA/DIPLOMA/SIJIL

(EMEL)
(PENGALAMAN KERJA)

47

ICONS
Break

Discussion

Reading material

Reference book

Exercise

Make notes

Checklist

Surf Internet

User Guide

Gather Information

Tutorial

Think

End

48