TITLE:
Using Mobile Devices for Teaching Realistic Mathematics in Kindergarten Education
AUTHORS:
Nicholas Zaranis, Michail Kalogiannakis, Stamatios Papadakis
KEYWORDS:
Preschool Education; ICT; Mobile Learning; Digital Learning Activities; Realistic Mathematics
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.4 No.7A,
July
10,
2013
ABSTRACT: New ICT tools allow children to take advantage of new learning platforms as well aiding them effectively in attaining new knowledge through activities related to their immediate interests and real life scenarios. Nowadays, computers and digital applications are a part of the daily life of children. In kindergarten education, properly designed digital educational activities can become a very powerful educational tool for efficient and effective learning. The utilization of interactive activities may contribute towards the growth of learning incentives as well as proper mental development in particular areas; such as mathematics and science. Mobile devices have new attractive features and provide considerable advantages in the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten education. Our study proposes the integration of mobile devices, running our own specially designed learning activity applications, in kindergarten classrooms. These applications are based on the three levels of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) targeting fundamental mathematical concepts for the kindergarten level. We intend to gather information on effectiveness of the incorporation of these devices and applications as leaning tools for kindergarteners.