Consider the school budget. The use of technology in the classroom often requires hi-tech equipment such as computers, advanced calculators or interactive software programs. Before committing to implementing technology in the classroom as a teaching method, approval from the school board may be required. Considerations for the budget may include whether or not to use the school's current computer lab or incorporate a mini-computer lab in the classroom where the students can alternate using the computers.
Evaluate your students' current mathematics ability. Depending on the age of your students and where they stand academically, they may or may not be ready to accept the new teaching method. If they are advanced, perhaps they would like a new challenge. But if they have a low attention span, you may want to develop a new strategy for incorporating technology into the classroom. This may include bringing in one donated computer at a time to test the system.
Prepare the students. It is important to communicate changes to the students and to prepare them for alterations in classroom activities, expectations and responsibilities. Give them some time to adjust and eventually embrace the new technology.
Discover the technology that matches your personal teaching style and your classroom culture. There are many types of technology that aid in teaching math to elementary students, such as ASSISTments, Smart Tech and Cognitive Tutor. If you want a program for the classroom, Smart Tech is a practical solution. It uses the classroom whiteboard, connected to the computer, to display Smart Tech computer screen information directly to the whiteboard, allowing students to drag, enlarge or create objects. ASSISTments and Cognitive Tutor programs challenge students by personalizing questions and creating math scenarios based on students' previous answers or current math abilities.
Personalize the technology. Many of the technology programs available allow the teachers to personalize the programs to match the students' academic level. Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to create your own math questions. You can be as creative with this process as you like.
Start teaching math using your chosen technology. Your first time will be a trial and error situation as you learn what works and what does not. It is okay to make mistakes. Just make the corrections as you go along and have fun with the process.