In previous years, with the rapid development of emerging technologies, the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in different learning areas has progressively attracted the attention of teachers. A simple combination of hardware and software will not make integration naturally follow (Earle, 2002). Teachers need to plan thoughtfully before they start ICT integration into a curriculum. They have to decide on suitable  ICT tools for particular learning objectives or contexts, modify existing resources or develop new learning environment to engage specific groups of learners, or decide scaffolding strategies for student‐centered learning.

Here in the Philippines following the overall vision of the Department of Education (DepEd), “21st Century Education for All Filipinos, Anytime, Anywhere”, integration of Educational Technology transforms pupils/students into dynamic life-long learners and values-centered, productive and responsible citizens. In order to achieve this vision, the Department of Education (DepEd) aims to completely integrate ICT into the curriculum, which includes the development of multimedia instructional materials, and ICT enabled assessment.

One of the key thrust of this strategy is to empower Teachers, Administrators, Officials and Students. To empower means to put them into trainings and seminars about integration of educational technology in teaching. With proper knowledge about ICT the teaching-learning process will be carried out well. With the help of technology we will see how the pupils/students develop their mathematical ability and skills to make Mathematics easier and more enjoyable for them. Indeed our part in this strategy is very critical.ICT leads to empower our students’ ability and creativity in learning a certain skills in Mathematics.

Nowadays technology is very significant and it plays a big part in our daily lives. Likewise, technology is essential in teaching and learning Mathematics. ICT improves the way mathematics should be taught and enhances student’s understanding of basic concepts. Many researchers have carried out studies to evaluate the benefits of using ICT in teaching mathematics. But it is not a simple task, since most of the teachers are used to teach Mathematics in traditional way, using only the blackboard and chalk. It will be a big challenge and adjustment for us to integrate technology in teaching Mathematics. But our country had already developed its policies on ICT with the objective of upgrading mathematics teacher competencies in improving the quality of teaching and learning of mathematics.

Since ICT is not just limited in using computers only to solve certain math problems but also includes some other electronic materials such as music and films. Music and films which was primarily designed for past time and to release an individual boredom is now being used as a vehicle of learning to inject a particular lesson. Since nowadays most of the pupils/students are fond of watching movies and listening to music.

The shift from traditional teaching to interactive teaching and with ICT integration in mathematics has been amajor concernfor many countriesfor thepast years. Efforts from many developed and developing countries in ICT use in Mathematics have been documented. ICT policies have been developed to suggest that there is a commitment tothis endeavor.

Many studies reported an improvement in pupils’/students’ motivation and attitude towards learning, it shows through an increased commitment to the learning task and greater interest in the subject matter, and pupils are taking more responsibility for their learning and making sustained efforts in difficult tasks given. If there’s an improvement in students’ attitude and behavior towards learning, the ability of a pupil/student in learning a certain skill will also be developed. They will engage more in studying their lessons and their critical thinking and arithmetic skills will be enhanced.

Through interactive teaching and ICT integration the mathematical ability of a learner will be empowered and developed. It’ll also help every pupil/student in solving certain mathematical equations and problems quickly and accurately. 

By: ARCHIE B. ALARCON | T-I | Sto. Domingo Elementary School