Use of Technology - MMAP/Pathways

 

MMAP has developed four software environments: ArchiTech™, HabiTech™, Mapper™, and Coding Toolbox™. ArchiTech™ is a computer-aided design simulation for creating and analyzing floor plans. HabiTech™, is an environment that enables students to create models of one or two populations and their interactions. Mapper™ is a multi-layered database with a visual display that resembles geographic information systems. Coding Toolbox™, allows students to use shift cipher, function, matrix, analysis, and compression tools to develop and test privacy and efficiency codes.

MMAP software environments are interactional and mathematical resources for group-based projects. They support design work, generate math opportunities and data for mathematical analysis. The technology is meant to meet the learning needs of students who have been under-served by traditional approaches to school math. For example, they eliminate tedious, repetitive computation, help kids make connections from visual and natural language expressions to more formal mathematical representations and symbols, and act as sophisticated manipulatives. They are easy for kids and teachers to learn. The software complements, rather than dominates classroom activities. MMAP tools resemble those used by adults for accomplishing their mathematically-related work, but without the complicated features of adult tools, while attending to the unique math learning needs of middle schoolers.