Integration of Information Technology in Singapore School Mathematics Curriculum

Abstract

The paper will trace the development of the integration of Information Technology (IT) into the mathematics curriculum in Singapore over the last ten years. It will highlight the impact of the various Ministry of Education IT initiatives including the two Masterplan for IT in education on the teaching and learning of mathematics in Singapore schools. As the focus of the mathematics curriculum is on problem solving, the paper will share on the innovative use of IT by teachers to develop mathematical problem solving skills in our pupils. Examples cited will include the application of various IT tools and the design of IT-enabled learning environments to support the development of problem solving skills in mathematics, such as ability to analyse patterns and trends. There will be discussion of the shift from the use of tutorial and drill & practice courseware in schools to reinforce the learning of Mathematics to the use of open tools by teachers to create their own interactive mathematics resources to support the mathematics curriculum. Some challenges faced in the integration of IT into the mathematics curriculum will be highlighted. Teachers are central to the success of IT integration in schools. One challenge is to shift the professional development programmes for teachers from a one-size-fits-all to a mass-customised approach to meet the differing teaching needs of the teachers. Another challenge faced is the changing of teacher? pedagogical beliefs and approaches. There is a need to use IT to enhance our students?learning by moving beyond independent learning to inter-dependent and collaborative learning. Opportunities should be created for students to collaborate with each other or even with industry, to learn beyond the boundaries of the classrooms and to work on problems situated in the real world context. Communities of Practice will be highlighted as one of the strategies to promote sharing of experiences in the use of IT for mathematics among teachers.