Education – there is an app for that
Tablets, ebooks and apps – what are they bringing to the classroom that isn't already
there? How will these new tools help children learn? How can teachers, parents and
others use them to support 21st century learning?
Biographies:
Dr. Tim Pelton and Dr. Leslee Francis Pelton are faculty members in the Department of
Curriculum and Instruction in the Faculty of Education. Tim teaches courses on
mathematics pedagogy for pre-service teachers at the elementary and middle school
levels. His focus is on helping children to make sense of mathematics and on examining
new technologies with respect to their potential to support learning in mathematics and
science. Leslee teaches courses on mathematics pedagogy for pre-service teachers at the
elementary, middle and secondary levels. Her focus is on promoting problem solving and
hands-on activities in the mathematics classroom. She currently serves as chair of the
Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Tim and Leslee were Co-Principal Investigators of the project Making Mathematics and
Science Meaningful: Investigating the Effects of Enrichment Activities on Students
funded by NSERC through the Pacific CRYSTAL initiative and by CER-Net through the
Faculty of Education. This project incorporated various technology-based enrichment
activities (robotics, comics, clickers, geotrekking) into mathematics classes in grades 3 –
11. Their current work involves the design, development and validation of iOS apps to
encourage the exploration of mathematics and science concepts and to provide
individualized opportunities for students to achieve mastery. These apps are founded
upon sound pedagogical practices and strategies, and were designed to provide
teachers and learners with access to effective dynamic visual models to support
sense-making.