BOSTON COLLEGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARCH 9, 2021

Technology News
Technology in Our Classroom

Note From the

Teacher
Update on
technology in the
classroom!

Note From the Teacher

Dear Parents,
The Math
Welcome to 4A! This newsletter is to announce an update on technology in the
Learning Center
classroom. New technology-based resources, such as iPads or tablets are on the path to
becoming a significant component of mathematics education programs. As we are just Use to represent
about to begin a new unit in math on rational numbers (fractions, decimals, ratios, operations with
and proportions), we are incorporating two exciting programs in the class, The Math fractions!
Learning Center: Fraction App and Splash Math K-5: SplashLearn. These programs will
provide useful tools for students to enhance their math skills for their math
curriculum. Learning to use technology is important because technology provides a
tool for problem solving and has become a natural part of our daily lives. Since we
will be using them often in class, it would be beneficial for the students if they could
access them, especially the Fraction App, at home as well. The activities on the
programs are very simple to use. By using the Fraction App, it is a great way to
observe, assess their comprehension on math concepts, and see exactly what we are
working on in class. I strongly encourage you and your child to familiarize yourselves
with the program! If you have any questions regarding the new technology programs, SplashLearn
please feel free to contact me. I hope to have a wonderful year filled with interactive Personalized
learning!
learning, fun
rewards, and
Ms. Park
actionable reports
for both students
XXX@bc.edu
and parents!
1

 BOSTON COLLEGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARCH 9, 2021

The Math Learning Center: Example Tutorial

Fraction App
Fractions for iPad, Web, and Chrome
The Fraction App is an app created by the Math Learning Center
that is designed to help students acquire an understanding of
basic fraction concepts through several different components. It is
compatible for students learning how to represent, compare, and
perform operations with fractions with denominators from 1 to
100. Not only can students represent the fractions, but they can
also explore the relationship between fractions, percents, and
decimals by using the drawing tools to annotate work and show
understanding.

Our class is currently focused on understanding fraction

equivalence and operations with fractions. As we learn how to
develop methods for generating and recognizing equivalent
fractions, it is important that students are able to extend their
previous understandings about how actions are built from unit
fractions, composing and decomposing fractions from unit
fractions, and using the meaning of fractions and multiplication
to multiply a fraction by a whole number. The Fraction App can
help students make their own fractions by dividing the whole
into parts and coloring them. Adding on, students can insert
numbers and equations using addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division like it is their personal sketchbook.
The Fraction App gives students the ability to be interactive and
creative while practicing and strengthening their math skills for
fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions. Not only will we be
using the Fraction App during class, but it would also be helpful
for students to use to understand the problems when working on
their homework.

Presenting math material using this interactive technology

is great for students this age because it can enhance conceptional
understanding of rational numbers. The visual representations
are easier for children to grasp and the educational strategy/
approach behind this program is fantastic. Not only does Fraction
App support individualized learning, collaborative learning, and
group learning, but it also incorporates dynamic visuals and
manipulative that are appealing to different types of learnings.
This is also based on the Math Learning Center and can be
accessed: https://www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps/
fractions

 BOSTON COLLEGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARCH 9, 2021

Splash Math K-5: SplashLearn

Example Tutorial
Personalized Learning, Fun Rewards, and Actionable
Reports
SplashLearn is a collection of interactive web-based or iPad applets
illustrating mathematical concepts throughout the K-5 curriculum.
Splash Math K-5 includes practice activities for each module as
well as a brief summary of the objectives, how it aligns with the
common core, real world application, cool facts, and what the
next skill for students is. On top of that, it also includes a variety
of free fun math games for students that include rewards to
practice specific skills depending on the module. Not only can
students understand the fractions, but they can also compare and
understand skills using fractions visual models. As their teacher, I
am able to view the work and progress they completed using the
interactive applets. It is a great teaching tool because it lets me
know which students need help on certain math concepts.

On SplashLearn, the unit for Grade 4 Fractions consists of

twenty subunits from equivalent fractions and adding, subtracting,
multiplying fractions by a whole to the introduction of decimals
such as the tenths and hundredths. As we learn these important
math concepts in class, it is important that students are able to
practice these skills using the knowledge they have learned from
class. SplashLearn includes more than twenty fun games besides
the main practice which allows students to choose which one suits
them the best for each module. For example, for the games, the
students are asked both multiple choice questions as well as fill in
the blank to see if they fully understand the material. By using
SplashLearn’s online fraction games, this will strengthen the
student’s understanding of fractions and all fraction-related skills
needed for students to understand the math curriculum in an
interactive method that keeps them engaged.

This website is fantastic for practicing math skills with

visuals of fractions for young students. Fractions are a difficult
concept to grasp, so it is important to have concrete examples
when learning about them. Learning from these concrete
examples makes the concept more meaningful, easy to
understand, and less abstract. The activities available on this web-
based applet are very age appropriate and accessible to the
children. SplashLearn can be accessed: https://
www.splashmath.com/math-skills/fourth-grade/fractions