Technology

When I first started teaching in 2019, I hardly used any technology in the classroom. Sure, I would use my laptop to take attendance, create worksheets using Kuta Software, and occasionally send emails to students or parents. But overall, my teaching methods mirrored the ones I experienced as a student: textbooks, handwritten notes, and lots of worksheets. Some of my high school math teachers even prohibited the use of calculators, so I grew up associating math with paper, pencil, and traditional instruction.

In college, I was introduced to a program called ALEKS, and it was a frustrating experience. The platform gave little to no feedback, just a green check or a red X. I often found myself stuck on problems for hours, only to realize that my original answer was technically correct but wasn’t simplified or formatted in the way the program required. That negative experience left a lasting impression, and when I began teaching, I avoided most educational technology, relying instead on the traditional methods I was familiar with.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Practically overnight, I was forced into remote teaching and had to completely rethink the way I approached instruction. What began as a challenge quickly turned into a valuable learning experience. I had no choice but to explore digital tools and I discovered how powerful and engaging technology could be in the math classroom.

Today, technology is invaluable to my instruction. Students can access notes and assignments from their devices at any time, and they use platforms like Desmos and DeltaMath for both guided and independent practice. These tools offer instant feedback, differentiated support, and visual representations that help deepen students' understanding. Technology has allowed me to meet students where they are by offering flexibility, accessibility, and more opportunities for engagement. I’m excited about the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in the classroom. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Photomath are already helping students get real-time support, personalized explanations, and creative ways to explore math concepts. I’m eager to continue learning and experimenting with these resources, not only to enhance my own teaching, but to empower my students to become more independent, curious, and confident learners. The future of math education is changing fast, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes us.

Technology Tools

AI tools: I’ve been exploring a variety of AI tools in both my instructional design work and classroom teaching, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and PhotoMath. During my action research project, I studied the impact of PhotoMath on student performance and mindset, and found that students felt more confident and engaged when using AI to support their problem-solving. I'm excited to continue this research and see if it will positively affect student performance in the long-run. More recently, I’ve joined a teacher training group focused on using the AI tool Gemini in the classroom, and I’m excited to integrate it into my math instruction this year. These AI tools have helped me design more  personalized learning experiences. Whether it’s generating tailored lesson plans, example problems, offering instant explanations, or helping students practice independently, AI is becoming a valuable tool in my instructional toolkit. 

Canva: Canva has been one of my favorite tools for creating clear and engaging instructional visuals. I’ve used it to design custom diagrams, like the ones in my research and instructional design projects and to help simplify complex concepts for students. Currently, in my practicum, I’m using Canva to create ELD resources that support language learners through visuals, vocabulary tools, and scaffolded graphic organizers. It’s a flexible platform that helps me adapt materials to meet the needs of diverse learners. Canva has made it easy to produce professional-quality content that enhances both comprehension and accessibility in the classroom.

DeltaMath: From an instructional design perspective, DeltaMath aligns with both the ADDIE model and the Dick and Carey model. In the Implementation and Evaluation phases of ADDIE, DeltaMath offers efficient content delivery and built-in data collection that helps me assess student understanding in real time, which is one of the main reasons I really value this program.  Within the Dick and Carey model, it serves as part of the formative evaluation process by helping identify performance gaps and guiding revisions to my instruction. It’s a tool that not only supports my students’ individual learning but also helps me refine my instruction based on timely learner data. 

Desmos:  Desmos (Amplify) has been a valuable tool in making math more interactive and visual for my students. I’ve used it to teach concepts like factoring quadratics through digital area models and exploration. During my practicum, I worked with the district’s Instructional Services department to adapt and digitalize math vocabulary activities for our online schools, ensuring students could still engage meaningfully in a remote setting. Desmos supports the Design and Development phases of the ADDIE model by helping create lessons that are both accessible and aligned with learning goals. 

Google Workspace: Google Workspace has played a key role in how I design and deliver instruction. I use Google Classroom as my learning management system (LMS) to assign work, post notes, collect feedback, and communicate with students in a structured, organized way. Beyond classroom management, I’ve used Google Sites to create and publish instructional design projects, including A Slice of STEM and Quadratic Forms and Features. These tools support the Implementation and Development phases of the ADDIE model, helping bring my instructional plans to life in both digital and blended learning environments. I use Gmail, Google Docs, Slides, and Google Meet on a near-daily basis to collaborate with students, peers, and instructors. These tools help streamline communication, group work, and content delivery. Google Sheets has also been especially helpful for organizing student data, analyzing research results, and tracking instructional design progress. 

Projects

During my time in the IDT program, I've created a few project incorporating technology including a video tutorial, a podcast, and an AI created math game using html coding and Claude Ai.