A student in math department teacher Aaron Cavin’s 3rd-period Advanced Mathematical Decision Making class uses their computer to participate in the class PearDeck on Mar. 8. Throughout the 2021-22 school year, Cavin has encouraged students with their math work as well as their skills with technology. “I want them to be confident that they can do whatever is being asked of them. I want to make a connection with them and just build a relationship with them and let them know that they’re valuable,” Cavin said. “They have a lot of creative value. But at the same time when it comes to the curriculum, I want them to also not be afraid to make a mistake.” Photo by Emily Couch
CCHS’s math department focuses on implementing more technology and electronic-based sources for students during the 2021-22 school year.
Due to the lasting effects of virtual learning during the 2020-21 school year, Clarke Central High School math department teachers have been implementing new technological skills and electronic components into their classrooms and teaching styles.
With more mathematical apps and websites available as learning options, math department teacher Aaron Cavin has seen an increase in student participation.
“One trend that I’ve noticed, using technology, (is that) we do a lot of IXL, Quizizz, Kahoot (and) things like that to engage and learn, and that’s been really beneficial,” Cavin said. “When we were growing up, me and all the other adults in the building were pretty much doing worksheets.”
Senior Lauren Brown uses the new additions of technology in her math classes to help her understand the math curriculum better.
“Technology impacted my math experience in a better way because if I’m at home and can’t get in touch with a teacher, technology (can) help you complete a math question you may be struggling with,” Brown said. “I think everything I’ve noticed about technology use in math is positive. Using technology is giving us a better understanding (of) math and can help us in the long run.”
“If I’m at home and can’t get in touch with a teacher, technology (can) help you complete a math question you may be struggling with. I think everything I’ve noticed about technology use in math is positive. Using technology is giving us a better understanding (of) math and can help us in the long run.”
— Lauren Brown,
senior
With easier access to technology in schools and positive trends seen within the newer technology-based curriculum, Cavin believes the use of electronics can better equip students when learning new math skills.
“Now we can be more creative. We have a lot more opportunities, more ways for students to explore math. I see more engagement now than I did 10 or 12 years ago when everything was paper, pencil and maybe had a couple of hands-on activities,” Cavin said.
