Simulations provide a unique opportunity to practice newly acquired skills in a low risk environment. For this reason, simulations have historically been used in preservice teacher education programs to enable student teachers to apply generalized pedagogical practices. This pilot study examined how simulations could be integrated with inservice…

Interactive whiteboard offers a high-potential innovative tool in mathematical educational environments, in which teachers' modeling processes and students' exploring activities can easily be executed. Nevertheless, these affordances are not self-evident. There is a gap between the potential claims of the tool and its actual use in the classrooms.…

Computer algebra systems are frequently used for research. In addition, some instructors have based entire advanced courses around these systems. One benefit is that they allow students to become familiar with the methods of calculus by individual experimentation. However, instructors have generally seen computer algebra systems as unsuitable for…

Computer algebra systems are being used more and more frequently in mathematics courses of all levels. For instructors to use these systems effectively, they need to have an idea of how the systems work. To illuminate the mechanics, the implementation of a simple computer algebra system will be described. Further, if instructors understand the…

Recommends that computer assisted instruction (CAI) be used for teaching reading, language arts, and mathematics to children who have difficulty achieving basic academic skills. Computer programs which have been used with low academic achievers in several parts of the U.S. are discussed. Seven references are listed. (Author/MER)

Anchored instruction is designed to present problems in a meaningful context to allow for investigations into real life environments. The Jasper Project was created to allow students to investigate mathematical dilemmas using anchored instruction techniques. This study uses case study methods to examine the perceptions that preservice teachers…

Discussion of the instructional effectiveness of educational software focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effectiveness of a problem-solving program designed to assist students in solving nonlinear optimization problems. Results are reported that indicate manual procedures resulted in greater learning than use of the…