ERIC Number: EJ1481789
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: EISSN-1464-5211
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Computational Thinking versus Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics Teaching
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v56 n8 p1426-1437 2025
The use of technologies in mathematics education at all levels has been discussed extensively for a number of years. It is one of the few themes that was the object of two ICMI studies, the most recent being published in 2010. Two new approaches, emerging lately in the teaching and learning of Mathematics at all levels, will be discussed: Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). I will discuss both in comparison, arguing they are very different and can even induce very different directions to Mathematics Education. Considering the CT approach as a variation on the theme of Problem Solving puts it as a skill that is as fundamental as numeracy. AI is also connected to problem solving as an emulator of human problem-solving approaches. Inappropriate use of AI has been considered problematic, being called a 'stochastic parrot'. I will try here to compare CT and AI using Curriculum Analysis: which are the educational purposes, which relevant experiences can we point out, how can these be implemented in school, how are they effective. I will argue that CT is important in introducing an 'algorithmic dimension of mathematics' in Mathematics Teaching and that AI in its present form as Generative AI is not adequate to develop concepts of mathematical literacy. I will show how the 'algorithmic dimension of mathematics' can be implemented in school with the example of the curricular options that were made in the new curriculum for Mathematics in Portugal.
Descriptors: Computation, Thinking Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, Instructional Effectiveness, Technology Uses in Education, Comparative Analysis, Problem Solving, Numeracy, Mathematics Skills, Curriculum Evaluation, Algorithms, Mathematics Curriculum, National Curriculum, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Portugal
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Mathematics, CMUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

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