Virtual Tools for Teaching Math Online

Virtual Tools for Teaching Math Online
The Editorial Team February 28, 2023

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Technology has transformed math instruction in the classroom, engaging students with interactive tools such as SMART boards and videos. For students needing flexibility, virtual schooling creates opportunities to progress at their own pace. Teachers can still be part of this journey, guiding students through studying and exercises, even when outside the physical classroom setting.

How to be interactive online

Engage your students with virtual math instruction! Teaching online is more than just videos and whiteboards – it’s about motivating active participation. To make the most of online learning, there are several interactive approaches you can use. Make use of recording tools to refine your performance before going live. Give feedback to individual students so they feel recognized and valued. Making your presence stronger through these methods will help improve overall student engagement.

How to teach math online using Google Meet and Zoom

Google Meet and Zoom are popular platforms for engaging students in virtual classrooms. With similar layouts and features, these platforms can easily be mastered even by new teachers. The key difference between the two is that Zoom has its own app while Google Meet needs web browser access. Set aside time to become familiar with both, as this will make it easier to implement them effectively when you start teaching online. Here are some specific online strategies you can employ as part of your lesson plans:

  • Recognize each student and allow time for introductions.
  • Highlight the platform features (chat, mute, asking questions, etc.).
  • Utilize breakout rooms for collaboration or brainstorming sessions.
  • Share interactive math tools with the students.
  • Segment your instruction with quick quizzes, brain breaks, mini-challenges, games, surveys, and so on.
  • Consider having a co-teacher or top student help monitor the chat box and provide general assistance with maintaining the flow of the online session.
  • Record your presentation to upload in Google Classroom or share via email afterward.

The Education Center has a few more tips for mastering online teaching. Virtual teaching is increasing every day, so take time to brush up on your skills or learn something new.

How to teach math online without a whiteboard

Parting with your familiar whiteboard while teaching math online may be unnerving. You feel akin to your students, walking side-by-side into this digital world yet slightly further ahead. But in reality, they may be miles ahead of you in their aptitude and natural knack for exploring virtual platforms.

Virtual or online math tools can be a great substitution for traditional whiteboard demonstrations. They provide an effective way to assist students in exploring and understanding mathematical concepts at their own pace. Using these digital tools allows teachers to deepen students’ understanding through interactive activities and visual aids, creating a richer learning experience. Some of these tools are:

Take the initiative to embrace online resources. Get your students involved. Organize a challenge such as a race against their teacher and see who can finish first. Not only will this help keep them occupied but could prove to be an exciting experience for all. You’ll appreciate the substitute of a whiteboard in no time!

How to teach math graphs online

When teaching math graphs online, keep it interactive! Use short presentations and add activities to keep your students engaged. Don’t forget to allow sufficient time for the students to practice what they’ve just learned. This will not only help them understand the materials better, but also give you an indication of their comprehension. Make use of:

  • Grade-level appropriate instructional videos online
  • Slides you create as a visual
  • Screen sharing and utilizing the whiteboard feature
  • Specific online math tools students can use as virtual manipulatives (e.g., graphfree.com, mathisfun.com, NCES create-a-graph)

If you plan to use a video as part of your teaching, it’s essential that you watch the whole thing! Make sure to take notes and jot down time stamps if the video is long, that way you only need to show students the most relevant information.

Tips for how to teach geometry and algebra online

As students progress in mathematics, their journey leads them to an exciting new world of geometry and algebra. With its tangles of lines and angles, 3D figures, and shapes of all sorts, geometry can present a unique challenge when working in the standard classroom setting. Young learners often find algebra to be a difficult subject, so virtual learning without personalized instruction or physical tools requires teachers to be more creative in their approach. Thankfully, online math tools come to the rescue with:

How to teach fractions and percentages online

Thanks to the tools utilized for teaching graphs and algebra online, you have a head start when it comes to introducing fractions and percentages online. Visuals are key when it comes to math instruction – provide your students with fraction or percentage problems to solve before embarking on any lessons or teaching, and you’ll see improved results! You can follow this model:

  1. Students solve and share answers along with how they reached their answers.
  2. Everyone solves, and volunteers share their process.
  3. Teacher solves and demonstrates.

Start off by providing ample opportunities for active participation and cultivating a sense of ownership in their learning journey. Encourage them to ask questions and enable them to explore the material in an engaging, meaningful way. Give them multiple ways to interact with the subject matter, such as discussion boards, assignments, and small group activities. By fostering an environment of engagement, you ensure a more satisfactory educational experience that can be shared among the whole class. Also:

  • Use online math manipulatives (i.e., toytheater.com).
  • Have your students draw and cut out their own fraction bars. Folding odd-number bars can be a bit tricky, so be sure to look up instructional videos so that your students can learn how to do it properly!
  • Collaborate online with your students using features such as whiteboard.chat.
  • Use basic playing cards to create fraction equations.
  • Create self-grading task cards for fractions or percentage problems (or find some online).

Dive into the various resources available for mathematical learning! Investigate all the features of these tools, and maximize their potential when tackling math subject areas.

Online math quiz makers for teachers

When you can’t be in the classroom with your students, administering a math quiz may seem daunting. However, there are several intuitive and easy-to-use online math quiz makers designed specifically for teachers. Whether you’re looking for a free version or one featuring premium services, these tools make it possible to provide your pupils a quick assessment without you having to be physically present:

Distance learning has become increasingly popular among students, prompting teachers to adapt to the changing environment. With each online presentation and lesson completed, your comfort level will grow, potentially even allowing for some of your students to take the lead during select class sessions.

Take the time to continually analyze and enhance your online charisma and engagement skills. Carefully consider your own teaching style and invite commentary from both students and colleagues. Use your passion for teaching to create an engaging virtual classroom atmosphere.

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Categorized as: Tips for Teachers and Classroom Resources

Tagged as: Early Childhood and Elementary (Grades: PreK-5),  Educational Technology,  Educational Technology Leadership,  High School (Grades: 9-12),  Math and Science,  Mathematics,  Mid-Career Teacher,  Middle School (Grades: 6-8),  New Teacher,  STEAM,  STEM,  Veteran Teacher