Students make gains in mathematics with technology

Winnipeg School Division (WSD) students are making gains in mathematics thanks in part to an interactive technology tool that adjusts to each student’s learning.

WSD Grades 1-2 students have been working with DreamBox, an online mathematics software program, for the last few years. Students use the online program 20 minutes or more daily.

DreamBox provides strategic, visual lessons for students, adapting the learning experience based on the input of each user. The software, which is used on tablets and other devices, supplements instruction in the classroom.

“DreamBox is one component, along with classroom drills, strategies, problem solving, group work and individualized instruction,” said Pinkham School Principal Val Mowez. “But we’ve seen huge, huge gains using this tool.”

At the beginning of the year, 26 Pinkham Grade 1 students had reached end of year outcomes; as of April, 83 students had met those same outcomes. In addition, 41 students are now working on Grade 2 outcomes, a jump from nine students at the start of the school year.

Much of that success comes from the differentiated learning DreamBox provides, whether students are working on addition, subtraction, comparing, ordering, subitizing or other concepts.

“DreamBox responds to the time it takes a student to answer a question, as well as the number of errors they make, and then scaffolds the next question to meet their needs. It’s a responsive and interactive program,” said Amie Johnston, a WSD Assessment and Instructional Support Teacher.

Pinkham teachers Courtney Burns, Nazma Garcia and Amanda Cardoso have all noted success in their classrooms with the software.  One of the classrooms, Room 217, recently won an award for completing an average of five or more lessons during the DreamBox Learning Math Challenge.

“There’s been a definite high level of engagement right from the beginning of the year,” Ms. Cardoso said. “Every student is in a different stage of development and working on their own learning goals. The nice thing about it is that teachers can go on the program and can see what curriculum levels their students have completed. It helps to validate what the student knows, because you can see what the student is accomplishing in their activities and lessons.”

Students are also able to use the software at home. Every morning before school, Pinkham also hosts a DreamBox Club in the library, where students who may not have internet access at home can work with the program outside of the classroom.

“Sometimes I use it at home or I use it at school,” said student Jordan . “I’ve learned multiplication, fractions and decimals.”

Student Qisha  is already grasping concepts well beyond her years: “I like the program because every time you pass a level, you get higher and you can learn more. You can increase your learning by getting strategies and thinking in your mind about math.”

Student Scott  is currently working in Grade 3 math.

“Sometimes I still need help and I’ll press the help button,” Scott said. “The most important thing we need to do is learn and listen.”