Math Engagement

I'm not sure how long it will last, but my students are extremely motivated to complete their paper and pencil tasks, when provided with the iPad as an enrichment tool.  Last week, we started learning about two-digit addition with regrouping.  On Thursday, we practiced on the board, with each child coming up to answer a question.  Then, students worked with a partner on the iPads.  I noticed they were completing way more questions on the iPad than I would expect them to be able to do on paper.  Was it quicker because they didn't need to sharpen pencils and search for erasers, or was it just more fun?  Turns out, it was a bit of both. On Tuesday, I asked them to complete one page on paper, with the chance to use the iPads when they had completed their work.  Ms. Lapidus, the Learning Assistance teacher, commented that the students were very quick to get their work done.  Hmm...quick on the iPads and also on paper?

Today, I gave the students a challenge: complete one page on paper and then do a ten-question timed drill on the iPad.  Keep trying until you get a perfect score within the time allotted.  See if you can beat your old time. The catch? We only have ten iPads, which means the students have to share.  You get one turn, then while your partner has their turn, you have to do more math on paper.  We went for close to an hour, before I absolutely had to stop the students to do some science.

Oh, and I forgot to mention how quiet it was in the room.  I even managed to pull aside two students to record themselves reading a picture book aloud.

Updated Results on Day 4: 19 out of 19 students have now completed the task with 100% accuracy, within the time allotted!  Our times ranged from 38 seconds to 6:06, with the majority of students completing the task in 2-3 minutes on the first or second try. On Tuesday, I will show them how to change the app's settings for three-digit addition with regrouping.