The Use of Mobile Technologies in the Primary School Mathematics Classroom—Developing ‘Create-Alouds’

Abstract

Traditionally, learning mathematics has often been limited to pen and paper and sometimes hands-on activities. Mobile technologies offer the opportunity to change practices within primary school mathematics classes. This chapter explores how Year 5 and 6 students worked collaboratively to solve a problem, explaining their mathematical thinking during that process. Their use of screen-casting apps such as Explain Everything and Educreations to produce `create-alouds' helped them collaboratively understand and explain mathematical concepts. The apps also assisted teachers in being able to provide formative assessment and feedback to the students, while enhancing the 21st century skills of the students.