As I approach my 70th year in physics, let me tell my younger colleagues about my adventures with computation. When I was 14, my father gave me a slide rule because I appeared to be headed toward a career in physics. Since then, I have had experience with many other calculating devices.

Discusses the notion of variables in computer algebra, mathematics, and science. Central are the questions of how variables are actually used in mathematics and science, how computer algebra supports the various uses of variables, what conceptual differences exist, and what consequences follow from this for teaching, learning, and doing…

Which manual calculation skills are still needed when students use graphic/symbolic calculators or computers with computer algebra systems (CAS)? What should students be able to do manually, i.e. just using paper and pencil? This text is the outcome of a two-day discussion on these questions, held by the four authors. Our answers and proposals are…

Focuses on two teachers who had made no use of DERIVE with their classes but who agreed to make regular use of DERIVE with one of their classes over the course of one year. Presents teachers' accounts of what they did. Discusses time issues in using DERIVE, the use of materials, pressures on teachers that influence their use of DERIVE, and the…

Addresses the impact of algebraic calculators on mathematics education. Shows how teaching with technology can lead to more efficient teaching and learning, more student-centered learning, and increase teacher value. Recommends that technology is fully embraced in order to perform the mathematics, thus freeing time for students to concentrate on…

Presents ways of using theories of knowing and learning to inform use of computer algebra systems (CAS) in school and early college mathematics. Describes the role of macroprocedures and microprocedures, process-object distinctions, and the movement towards more formal ways of expressing mathematical ideas. Discusses how these theories along with…

An understanding of past technological advancements can help educators understand the influence of new technologies in education. Inventions such as the abacus, logarithms, the slide rule, the calculating machine, computers, and electronic calculators have all found their place in mathematics education. While new technologies can be very useful,…

Shows how technologies are essential in a new algebra curriculum based on the NCTM Standards. This article is one of the keynote addresses of the Algebra Working Group of the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. (24 references) (MKR)

Students undertaking mathematics courses in their final year of secondary education in Victoria are assessed using a combination of school based coursework assessment and examinations. Over the last decade, students have used technology such as graphics calculators, statistical software, spreadsheets, and computer algebra systems (CAS) extensively…

Provides a historical context for the impact of technology, especially computers and calculators, on school mathematics; discusses difficulties encountered in mathematics education; and makes reference to a series of national reports which serve as discussion documents and guides in the reform process. (20 references) (Author/MKR)

Applies Gresham's Law ("bad money drives out good") to educators' overreliance on technology. Introducing more advanced "learning" technology without a concomitant emphasis on knowledge acquisition allows some students to operate at increasingly lower thought levels. Higher order thought processes will be displaced (and…

This paper describes how the TI-92+ calculator can be valuable in illustrating basic and advanced programming concepts in introductory computer science courses. Descriptions of the scope of the curricula for the courses in which the TI-92+ is used are provided. The TI-92+ programming language is particularly useful in demonstrating the progression…

Reports on what actually happened with the role of the computer, the quality of math education, and curricular change in 2000. (KHR)

A study was conducted at a large, state-supported college in the Northeast to establish a mechanism by which a popular software package, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), could be used in psychology program statistics courses in such a way that no prior computer expertise would be needed on the part of the faculty or the…

Discusses how calculators and computers can assist in the teaching of the basic mathematical competencies. (YP)