Todd Lee and colleagues share some of the common technology "pranks" and peculiarities from the three most common technology tools used in our classrooms: Microsoft Excel, graphing calculators, and The Geometer's Sketchpad. The "Surfing Note" includes a link to a collection of funny math cartoons from the Carolina Biological Supply Company.

The authors provide a framework to aid instructional decision-making regarding classroom calculator use. The guide focuses on both teacher goals and the students' needs and abilities. The reader is challenged to rethink the possible role that calculators can serve for all students, in particular, as a classroom accommodation for students with…

Graphic tips for using the Geometer's Sketchpad (GSP) are described. The methods to import an image into GSP, define a coordinate system, plot points and curve fit the function using a graphical calculator are demonstrated where the graphic features of GSP allow teachers to expand the use of the technology application beyond the classroom.

This article outlines a linear regression activity that engages learners, uses technology, and fosters cooperation. Students generated least-squares linear regression equations using TI-83 Plus[TM] graphing calculators, Microsoft[C] Excel, and paper-and-pencil calculations using derived normal equations to predict the 2004 presidential election.…

Shows a direct solution for factoring trinomials, without trial and error, using a calculator. When a calculator is not available, the mathematical chore is eased somewhat using reference tables, as shown in two noncalculator methods (determining nonfactorability and factorability). (JN)

Addresses issues related to the use of microcomputers for solving problems. Includes considerations of the impact of software availability, the nature of software for chemical education, general-purpose software, and dedicated software. (JN)

This paper describes a classroom, instructor-led activity designed to show how graphic calculators can be used to explore coordinate geometry. The activity involves digitizing an image of a hand and transforming the image through geometrical transformations. Teaching notes and calculator instructions are included as are blackline masters. Also…

Provided is an activity designed to give grades 7-12 students opportunities to discover numerical patterns and to derive general conclusions from observing data. The activity focuses attention on patterns in products such as 33x34, 333x334, and 3333x3334. Three worksheets and answers are included. (JN)

Describes an exercise, suitable for use on programmable calculators or microcomputers, to calculate some of the rapidly processing orbits of a mass M near a static black hole star of mass M. (SK)

An exploration of a problem called solving quadratic congruences modulo p is detailed and is built around an alternate method of deriving the quadratic formula. Three practical pedagogical values that have been experienced by students and instructor when the material was presented to classes are noted. (MP)

A description is given of a calculator-oriented arithmetic course given at a community college. Problem solving was the primary objective of the course. (MK)

The College Entrance Examination Board has not permitted calculator use on the Scholastic Aptitude Test because of unresolved concerns about equity, implications for test content, and logistical and security issues. Those issues no longer seem insurmountable, and significant changes are being introduced on many tests. (MSE)

Describes the outcomes and discusses possible implications for the development of assessment with a Computer Algebra System (CAS) when a group of undergraduate mathematics students, familiar with using a CAS in examinations, tackled an assortment of traditional (i.e., non-CAS type) questions. (Author/MM)

Discusses the use of a computer algebra system in a capstone mathematics course for undergraduate mathematics majors preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Provides sample exercises intended to demonstrate how the power of a computer algebra system such as MAPLE can contribute to desired outcomes including reinforcing and strengthening…

Focuses mainly on a common example in technology-rich mathematics curricula, namely the line of best fit, followed by a discussion of two additional examples, interpolating polynomials and complete graphs. (ASK)