Technology-Infused Math Instruction: Teaching Outside the Box - Grades TK-12
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2025
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2025
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In today's mathematics classroom, teachers must ensure that all students understand conceptually and can demonstrate the required skills based on their development. Technology-Infused Math Instruction: Teaching Outside the Box provides guidance in leveraging five essential research-based pedagogies to support effective K-12 math learning with infused technology: daily routines, open-ended tasks, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and math centers. Using technology as a tool for teaching and learning mathematics has the power to support students in making meaningful connections through multiple representations, real-life applications, and opportunities to express and demonstrate what they know and how they know it. Being strategic decision-makers about students' experiences requires teachers to analyze student assessment data, synthesize a variety of evidence-based strategies in mathematics, and select activities that will lead to access and equity in math instruction. Throughout the text, activities, sample lessons, templates, and links to videos illustrate how to put these practical technology-infused strategies into practice. Technology provides teachers with the efficiency to differentiate tasks, scaffold instruction, and utilize multiple measures to assess and support student learning. Teachers will learn how to support all learners in their construction of mathematical knowledge through hands-on activities, project-based learning, linguistically based strategies, and culturally relevant activities which harness the power of technology.
Introduction
Technology for Teaching and Learning
Integrating Technology into Your Math Practice
Chapter Contents
About the Authors
Author Background
1. The Case for Technology in the Mathematics Classroom
Technology Takes Center Stage
The Power of Technology
Starting With You!
Why Do You Need This Book?
The Power of Technology
Are Kids Really Different Today?
Technology of Tomorrow and Technology of Today
Why Technology in Mathematics?
Getting Started With Technology
Category of Web Tools
International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students
Designing Technology-Integrated Lessons
3 Stages to Connect with Tech
Proposed Model for Technology Integration
Five Professional Commitments to Guide Technology Integration in the Classroom
Developing Your Teacher Toolbox
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
2. The Foundations and Principles of the CCSS
Starting with the Standards!
Plan to the Standard
CCSS Mathematics
Unpacking the Standards
Conceptual Understanding
Procedural Fluency
Vertical Alignment
Academic Language Students Need
Student-Friendly Learning Objective
Standards for Mathematical Practice
#1: Make Sense of Problems and Persevere in Solving them
#2: Reason Abstractly and Quantitatively
#3: Construct Viable Arguments and Critique the Reasoning of Others
#4: Model With Mathematics
#5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically
#6: Attend to Precision
#7: Look for and Make Use of Structure
#8: Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning
Balanced Approach to Instruction
Make the Connection
Research
Building Conceptual Understanding
Concrete-Representational-Abstract Model
Making Meaning and Virtual Manipulatives
Research on Virtual Manipulatives and Student Learning
Math talk
Math Language Routines
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
3. Understanding Design
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Sociocultural Theory
Zone of Proximal Development
Connecting Sociocultural Theory to Mathematics
Mindset Theory
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning in Action
Schema and Learning
Building Mathematical Identity
Teaching With the Brain in Mind: Supporting Memory and Learning Differences
Five Habits of Planning
Habit 1: Start With the Standards
Habit 2: Know Your Learners
Habit 3: Build Understanding
Habit 4: Select Tools for Teaching and Learning
Habit 5: Aim for Mastery Learning
Getting Started With Design
Understanding Student Thinking and Learning
Low-Floor High-Ceiling Tasks
Blooming With Technology
Cognitive Demand
Task Design
Planning Learning Experiences
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
4. Developing Daily Routines in Your Mathematics Practice
The Purpose of Daily Routines
Putting Research Into Practice
Connecting to Content
Structure of Daily Routines
Getting Started With Daily Routines
The Role of the Teacher and Student
Assessment and Daily Routines
Building Academic Language
Questioning With Daily Routines
Writing With Daily Routines
Let’s Explore Daily Routines
Daily Routine No. 1: Number Talks
TK-2 Number Talks
3-8 Number Talks
Three Steps to Number Talks
Daily Routine No. 2: Data Talk
Examples of Data Talks
Daily Routine No. 3: Calendar
Keep It Relevant With Calendar
Getting Started With Calendar
Daily Routine No. 4: Hundred Chart and Multiplication Chart
Daily Routine No. 5: Counting Collections
Make It Count With Counting Collections
Getting Started With Counting Collections
Daily Routine No. 6: Math Journals
Write It Out With Math Journals
Daily Routine No. 7: Warm-Up
The Problem With Warm-Ups
Daily Routine No. 8: Exit Ticket
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
5. Open-Ended Tasks
The Purpose of Open-Ended Tasks
Putting Research into Practice
Structure of Open-Ended Tasks
Routines and Open-Ended Tasks
Tech for One and Tech for All
Attributes of Open-Ended Tasks
The Role of the Teacher and Role of the Student
Thinking and Open-Ended Tasks
Questioning with Open-Ended Tasks
Pancake Task
Planning Questions for Open-Ended Tasks
Writing Open-Ended Tasks
Promoting Classroom Discourse
Math Talk Moves
Assessment of Open-Ended Tasks
Types of Open-Ended Tasks
Tiered Activities: Creating Challenge for Every Learner
Primary Grade Example
Upper Grade Example
Implementing Tiered Activities
Developing Habits of Mind: Struggle
Games
Student-Created Open-Ended Tasks
Virtual Tools and Open-Ended Tasks
Open-Ended Tasks and Online Data
Getting Started with Using Data in Your Class
Putting it into Practice: Planning Guide
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
6. Project-Based Learning
The Purpose of PjBL
Putting Research Into Practice
Putting Ideas Into Action
Meeting the Needs of All Learners
Structure of PjBL
Beginning PjBL with a Driving Question
Now It’s Your Turn!
Creating PjBL Tasks
Going Digital with PjBL Tasks
Supporting Students with Digital Tools
Putting Tasks All Together
Creating a Hook
Review and Reflect
Assigning Groups: Group Work
The Challenge of Group Work
Connecting the Standards for Mathematical Practice to PjBL
Planning PjBL Activities
Stage 1: Setting the Scope
Stage 2: Goals and Targets to Support All Learners
Stage 3: Assessing and Reflecting
Assessment Products
Reflection Methods
Integrating Technology with PjBL
Assessing PjBL Tasks
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
7. Problem-Based Learning
The Purpose of Problem-Based Learning
Putting Research into Practice
Making a Connection with PBL
Connecting Formal and Informal Strategies
Anything They Love Can Become a Learning Challenge
Structure of PBL
Putting Planning into Action
PBL Does it All
The Role of Thinking in Problem-Solving
Students’ Steps to Problem-Solving
Summary: Putting Ideas into Action
Student PBL Organizer
Make the STEM Connection
Scaffolding for Success
Scaffolding Tools
Scaffolding Organization
Scaffolding Language
3-Read Strategy
3-Reads Chart
Developing Group Norms and Roles
Creating an Emotionally Safe Classroom
Establishing Group Roles
Assessment
Distinctions of PBL
Resources for PBL Problems
Websites
Books
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
8. Math Centers
The Purpose of Math Centers
So What Are Math Centers?
Putting Research into Practice
Conceptions of Math Centers
Tips for Managing Groups of Students
Going Digital
Math Games
Math Planning Sheet
Assessment & Math Centers
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
9. Putting It All Together
Putting Research into Practice
Mindset in Mathematics Instruction
Organizing Your Math Block
Student Portfolios
Setting Goals in Your Math Practice
Supporting Inclusive Practice
Developing Digital Literacy
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
Bibliography
Appendix
Index
Dr. Patricia Dickenson is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at National University. She is the Program Lead for the Bachelors of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies with the Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Credential. Her research area focuses on mathematics professional development and technology. She has worked in higher education for the past 8 years and was a mathematics coach, middle school teacher, and elementary school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified school district for over ten years. Dr. Dickenson has published two books and has over 12 book chapters and articles. She recently received the National Council of Teaching Mathematics Grant for Classroom research. Dr. Dickenson has posted over 80 blog posts on her blog: www.teacherpreptech.com and can be followed on twitter @teacherpreptech. She has written three Guest Blog posts in Education Week
Dr. Lorelei Coddington is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Biola University in teacher preparation and has over 30 years of experience in TK-12 education. She has been a post-doctorate fellow, K-12 researcher, teacher on special assignment, and elementary teacher. Dr. Coddington has worked extensively coaching and mentoring beginning teachers in effective pedagogy. Her research examines the influence of professional development on teacher knowledge growth and elementary mathematics learning and instruction. Dr. Coddington has conducted research in two multi-year research grants working directly with K-12 teachers to improve classroom learning of mathematics. Her research findings have been shared at national conferences, and she has several publications focused on mathematics instruction and learning. Dr. Coddington can be followed on twitter @2teachprof.
Technology-Infused Math Instruction: Teaching Outside the Box is a must-have resource for educators who want to bring relevance, creativity, and inclusivity into math instruction. It’s one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply practical and profoundly inspiring, offering strategies that actually work in today’s classrooms. Every page reflects a true understanding of how to balance technology, equity, and innovation to support the diverse ways students learn.
The third edition goes above and beyond, expanding its focus to include AI in math instruction, math language routines, play-based learning, and Transitional Kindergarten instruction. It’s not just an update - it’s a transformation. The ideas are fresh yet realistic, empowering teachers to design engaging, accessible lessons that foster conceptual understanding and confidence in every learner.
As an educator and advocate for inclusive, technology-infused teaching, I believe this book captures what 21st-century math education should be - equitable, engaging, and grounded in real-world thinking. It reignites passion for teaching and gives educators the confidence to teach boldly, think differently, and truly teach outside the box.
Dr. Jennifer Slater-Sanchez,
Director of Categorical & Special Programs at Antelope Valley Unified School District
In today's mathematics classroom, teachers must ensure that all students understand conceptually and can demonstrate the required skills based on their development. Technology-Infused Math Instruction: Teaching Outside the Box provides guidance in leveraging five essential research-based pedagogies to support effective K-12 math learning with infused technology: daily routines, open-ended tasks, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and math centers. Using technology as a tool for teaching and learning mathematics has the power to support students in making meaningful connections through multiple representations, real-life applications, and opportunities to express and demonstrate what they know and how they know it. Being strategic decision-makers about students' experiences requires teachers to analyze student assessment data, synthesize a variety of evidence-based strategies in mathematics, and select activities that will lead to access and equity in math instruction. Throughout the text, activities, sample lessons, templates, and links to videos illustrate how to put these practical technology-infused strategies into practice. Technology provides teachers with the efficiency to differentiate tasks, scaffold instruction, and utilize multiple measures to assess and support student learning. Teachers will learn how to support all learners in their construction of mathematical knowledge through hands-on activities, project-based learning, linguistically based strategies, and culturally relevant activities which harness the power of technology.
Introduction
Technology for Teaching and Learning
Integrating Technology into Your Math Practice
Chapter Contents
About the Authors
Author Background
1. The Case for Technology in the Mathematics Classroom
Technology Takes Center Stage
The Power of Technology
Starting With You!
Why Do You Need This Book?
The Power of Technology
Are Kids Really Different Today?
Technology of Tomorrow and Technology of Today
Why Technology in Mathematics?
Getting Started With Technology
Category of Web Tools
International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students
Designing Technology-Integrated Lessons
3 Stages to Connect with Tech
Proposed Model for Technology Integration
Five Professional Commitments to Guide Technology Integration in the Classroom
Developing Your Teacher Toolbox
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
2. The Foundations and Principles of the CCSS
Starting with the Standards!
Plan to the Standard
CCSS Mathematics
Unpacking the Standards
Conceptual Understanding
Procedural Fluency
Vertical Alignment
Academic Language Students Need
Student-Friendly Learning Objective
Standards for Mathematical Practice
#1: Make Sense of Problems and Persevere in Solving them
#2: Reason Abstractly and Quantitatively
#3: Construct Viable Arguments and Critique the Reasoning of Others
#4: Model With Mathematics
#5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically
#6: Attend to Precision
#7: Look for and Make Use of Structure
#8: Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning
Balanced Approach to Instruction
Make the Connection
Research
Building Conceptual Understanding
Concrete-Representational-Abstract Model
Making Meaning and Virtual Manipulatives
Research on Virtual Manipulatives and Student Learning
Math talk
Math Language Routines
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
3. Understanding Design
Theories of Teaching and Learning
Sociocultural Theory
Zone of Proximal Development
Connecting Sociocultural Theory to Mathematics
Mindset Theory
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning in Action
Schema and Learning
Building Mathematical Identity
Teaching With the Brain in Mind: Supporting Memory and Learning Differences
Five Habits of Planning
Habit 1: Start With the Standards
Habit 2: Know Your Learners
Habit 3: Build Understanding
Habit 4: Select Tools for Teaching and Learning
Habit 5: Aim for Mastery Learning
Getting Started With Design
Understanding Student Thinking and Learning
Low-Floor High-Ceiling Tasks
Blooming With Technology
Cognitive Demand
Task Design
Planning Learning Experiences
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
4. Developing Daily Routines in Your Mathematics Practice
The Purpose of Daily Routines
Putting Research Into Practice
Connecting to Content
Structure of Daily Routines
Getting Started With Daily Routines
The Role of the Teacher and Student
Assessment and Daily Routines
Building Academic Language
Questioning With Daily Routines
Writing With Daily Routines
Let’s Explore Daily Routines
Daily Routine No. 1: Number Talks
TK-2 Number Talks
3-8 Number Talks
Three Steps to Number Talks
Daily Routine No. 2: Data Talk
Examples of Data Talks
Daily Routine No. 3: Calendar
Keep It Relevant With Calendar
Getting Started With Calendar
Daily Routine No. 4: Hundred Chart and Multiplication Chart
Daily Routine No. 5: Counting Collections
Make It Count With Counting Collections
Getting Started With Counting Collections
Daily Routine No. 6: Math Journals
Write It Out With Math Journals
Daily Routine No. 7: Warm-Up
The Problem With Warm-Ups
Daily Routine No. 8: Exit Ticket
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
5. Open-Ended Tasks
The Purpose of Open-Ended Tasks
Putting Research into Practice
Structure of Open-Ended Tasks
Routines and Open-Ended Tasks
Tech for One and Tech for All
Attributes of Open-Ended Tasks
The Role of the Teacher and Role of the Student
Thinking and Open-Ended Tasks
Questioning with Open-Ended Tasks
Pancake Task
Planning Questions for Open-Ended Tasks
Writing Open-Ended Tasks
Promoting Classroom Discourse
Math Talk Moves
Assessment of Open-Ended Tasks
Types of Open-Ended Tasks
Tiered Activities: Creating Challenge for Every Learner
Primary Grade Example
Upper Grade Example
Implementing Tiered Activities
Developing Habits of Mind: Struggle
Games
Student-Created Open-Ended Tasks
Virtual Tools and Open-Ended Tasks
Open-Ended Tasks and Online Data
Getting Started with Using Data in Your Class
Putting it into Practice: Planning Guide
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
6. Project-Based Learning
The Purpose of PjBL
Putting Research Into Practice
Putting Ideas Into Action
Meeting the Needs of All Learners
Structure of PjBL
Beginning PjBL with a Driving Question
Now It’s Your Turn!
Creating PjBL Tasks
Going Digital with PjBL Tasks
Supporting Students with Digital Tools
Putting Tasks All Together
Creating a Hook
Review and Reflect
Assigning Groups: Group Work
The Challenge of Group Work
Connecting the Standards for Mathematical Practice to PjBL
Planning PjBL Activities
Stage 1: Setting the Scope
Stage 2: Goals and Targets to Support All Learners
Stage 3: Assessing and Reflecting
Assessment Products
Reflection Methods
Integrating Technology with PjBL
Assessing PjBL Tasks
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
7. Problem-Based Learning
The Purpose of Problem-Based Learning
Putting Research into Practice
Making a Connection with PBL
Connecting Formal and Informal Strategies
Anything They Love Can Become a Learning Challenge
Structure of PBL
Putting Planning into Action
PBL Does it All
The Role of Thinking in Problem-Solving
Students’ Steps to Problem-Solving
Summary: Putting Ideas into Action
Student PBL Organizer
Make the STEM Connection
Scaffolding for Success
Scaffolding Tools
Scaffolding Organization
Scaffolding Language
3-Read Strategy
3-Reads Chart
Developing Group Norms and Roles
Creating an Emotionally Safe Classroom
Establishing Group Roles
Assessment
Distinctions of PBL
Resources for PBL Problems
Websites
Books
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
8. Math Centers
The Purpose of Math Centers
So What Are Math Centers?
Putting Research into Practice
Conceptions of Math Centers
Tips for Managing Groups of Students
Going Digital
Math Games
Math Planning Sheet
Assessment & Math Centers
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
9. Putting It All Together
Putting Research into Practice
Mindset in Mathematics Instruction
Organizing Your Math Block
Student Portfolios
Setting Goals in Your Math Practice
Supporting Inclusive Practice
Developing Digital Literacy
Summary
Additional Activities/Discussion Questions
Instructor Activities
Bibliography
Appendix
Index
Dr. Patricia Dickenson is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at National University. She is the Program Lead for the Bachelors of Arts In Interdisciplinary Studies with the Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Credential. Her research area focuses on mathematics professional development and technology. She has worked in higher education for the past 8 years and was a mathematics coach, middle school teacher, and elementary school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified school district for over ten years. Dr. Dickenson has published two books and has over 12 book chapters and articles. She recently received the National Council of Teaching Mathematics Grant for Classroom research. Dr. Dickenson has posted over 80 blog posts on her blog: www.teacherpreptech.com and can be followed on twitter @teacherpreptech. She has written three Guest Blog posts in Education Week
Dr. Lorelei Coddington is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Biola University in teacher preparation and has over 30 years of experience in TK-12 education. She has been a post-doctorate fellow, K-12 researcher, teacher on special assignment, and elementary teacher. Dr. Coddington has worked extensively coaching and mentoring beginning teachers in effective pedagogy. Her research examines the influence of professional development on teacher knowledge growth and elementary mathematics learning and instruction. Dr. Coddington has conducted research in two multi-year research grants working directly with K-12 teachers to improve classroom learning of mathematics. Her research findings have been shared at national conferences, and she has several publications focused on mathematics instruction and learning. Dr. Coddington can be followed on twitter @2teachprof.
Technology-Infused Math Instruction: Teaching Outside the Box is a must-have resource for educators who want to bring relevance, creativity, and inclusivity into math instruction. It’s one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply practical and profoundly inspiring, offering strategies that actually work in today’s classrooms. Every page reflects a true understanding of how to balance technology, equity, and innovation to support the diverse ways students learn.
The third edition goes above and beyond, expanding its focus to include AI in math instruction, math language routines, play-based learning, and Transitional Kindergarten instruction. It’s not just an update - it’s a transformation. The ideas are fresh yet realistic, empowering teachers to design engaging, accessible lessons that foster conceptual understanding and confidence in every learner.
As an educator and advocate for inclusive, technology-infused teaching, I believe this book captures what 21st-century math education should be - equitable, engaging, and grounded in real-world thinking. It reignites passion for teaching and gives educators the confidence to teach boldly, think differently, and truly teach outside the box.
Dr. Jennifer Slater-Sanchez,
Director of Categorical & Special Programs at Antelope Valley Unified School District