This article describes an introductory computational thinking (CT) lesson that was implemented into five educational technology classes at a large university in the southern United States. A total of 88 undergraduate and graduate students participated in the lesson. The project was the result of a collaboration between education faculty and a…

Teaching undergraduates the basic properties of an estimator can be difficult. Most definitions are easy enough to comprehend, but difficulties often lie in gaining a "good feel" for these properties and why one property might be more desired as compared to another property. Simulations which involve visualization of these properties can…

Quality encompasses a very broad range of ideas in learning materials, yet the accuracy of the content is often overlooked as a measure of quality. Various aspects of accuracy are briefly considered, and the issue of computational accuracy is then considered further. When learning materials are produced containing the results of mathematical…

Computational precision is sometimes given short shrift in a first programming course. Treating this topic requires discussing integer and floating-point number representations and inaccuracies that may result from their use. An example of a moderately simple programming problem from elementary statistics was examined. It forced students to…

Presents a calculator-type computer program, CLICAL, in conjunction with complex number, vector, and other geometric algebra computations. Compares the CLICAL with other symbolic programs for algebra. (Author/YP)

This article presents 12 examples of the use of a calculator in the algebra class. The calculator codes and the mathematical formulas of the examples are presented in the appendix. (Author/YP)

Explains the use of the 3-dimensional analytic geometry method to find values for a field geology problem. Gives a description of the mathematical theory for this method which can be applied to data obtained by drilling as well as open surfaces, and a computer program. (RT)

Discusses: (1) advantages of a computer lab; (2) types of computer programs that can help students develop computational, application, comprehension, and analytical skills; (3) how computers can help students with such affective goals as appreciation and motivation toward mathematics; and (4) content areas where computers can be useful. (JN)

Nondeterminism is an essential concept in mathematics and one of the important concepts in computer science. It is also among the most abstract ones. Thus, many students find it difficult to cope with. In this article, we describe some didactic considerations, which guided the development of a "Computational Models" course for high school…

Explores some classic Fibonacci problems with the aid of AppleWorks spreadsheets calculations. Provides problems and spreadsheets for solving them. (Author/YP)

This report includes the framework, the experiences, the benefits, student attitude survey results, typical computer screen output, and BASIC program listings for PROBLEM, a general computer system for homework management in a time-sharing environment that can handle any exercise in which students must calculate numerical results from numerical…

Describes a spreadsheet computer program which can be used with an Apple Macintosh computer to perform a multitude of calculations. Discusses two types of calculations taught in general chemistry. Demonstrates how to use the spreadsheet to calculate mass percent and the formula of a compound. (TW)

Describes mathematical problems which occur when using the computer as a calculator. Considers errors in BASIC calculation and the order of mathematical operations. Identifies errors in spreadsheet and calculator programs. Comments on sorting programs and provides a source for Mathemagical Black Holes. (MVL)