Before students progress to the fourth grade, GreatSchools states that 3rd graders should have developed basic computer skills, including keyboarding, using the Internet for research, and using a mouse (2013).
In regards to Mathematics in general, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), state that, “Mathematically proficient students at various grade levels are able to identify relevant external mathematical resources, such as digital content located on a website, and use them to pose or solve problems. They are able to use technological tools to explore and deepen their understanding of concepts” (2016).
Additionally, for 3rd grade Mathematics, the CCSS suggests that, “instructional time focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of multiplication and division and strategies for multiplication and division within 100; (2) developing understanding of fractions, especially unit fractions (fractions with numerator 1); (3) developing understanding of the structure of rectangular arrays and of area; and (4) describing and analyzing two-dimensional shapes” (2016).
Smart boards can be used by the teacher to display solutions to problems, to explain the step-by-step process of creating a student account on a Mathematics site or to show students how to research a topic on the Internet. There are many math-related websites that can be used during instructional time, that address these four critical areas and apply technology use.
Khan Academy can enhance simple drill & practice instruction, by providing motivation and immediate feedback to its user and assessment data for teachers and parents. Also, the site can be assessed at home to provide further practice, including parents in the student’s learning process.
Abcya is another excellent Mathematics site where students can play games, ranging from base ten to equivalent fractions, and receive immediate feedback. The site can also be accessed at home to continue the learning process outside of the classroom.
These are just two examples of software that can be accessed by students to develop not only Math standards, but also technology skills. Using these and other websites will enhance instruction in the classroom, by motivating students to learn by playing “games” and can provide quick assessments for the teacher to keep her students on track for success.
References
Software Answers, Inc. (2013). Technology can enhance third graders’ classroom experience. Brecksville, OH: Software Answers, Inc.
Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2016). Preparing america’s students for college and career. Common Core State Standards Initiative
Clark R.C., Mayer, R.E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. (3rd ed). San Francisco, CA: Pfieffer.
Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7th ed.). Nova Southeastern University: Pearson.
Gail Davis: EDTECH Learning Log 
Hi Gail, I am late with adding comments but I hope you don’t mind. I teach 5th grade and so I was interested to see what you wrote. I have found that math lends itself really well to using technology and there are an ever increasing range of tools to use. Have you looked at Manga High? I know we use it with 4th grade and they love it. We use the British version to align with our curriculum but there is a US version too. I like the way that you tied the combination of computing skills and math in together. Learning doesn’t have to be discreet and there is a lot of overlap.
Thanks – I will go and check out Abcya.
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Thank You for the question and comment. Unfortunately, I retired last year from the military so I haven’t been in a classroom much, except for a few months last Fall, since 2002. I haven’t heard of Manga High, though, so I will have to check it out. There is much educational online content that it seems impossible to know what’s available.
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