Presents a computerized bridging course in mathematics that was developed as part of an academic support program. Discusses the didactical approach of the system--criterion-referenced or mastery learning--in which student progress depends strictly on proven mastery of the concepts. (Author/ASK)

Designs a set of spreadsheet-supported activities to examine how preservice and inservice teachers behave in an exploratory computer setting, thus providing clues capable of informing the design of other learning opportunities using this technological tool. Describes the content of the activities devised and some of the strategies used by teachers…

Reports on the responses of students using a computer algebra system (CAS) called DERIVE in an introductory calculus course at undergraduate level. Indicates that the use of this technology was a catalyst for students to use three types of learning strategies: (1) regularly using multiple representations, (2) discussing meaning with peers and…

This paper discusses programs that clarify some statistical ideas often discussed yet poorly understood by students. The programs adopt the approach of demonstrating what is happening, rather than using the computer to do the work for the students (and hide the understanding). The programs demonstrate normal probability plots, overfitting of…

In this article, the author describes two Powerpoint presentations designed to help visual learners calculate the circumference and the area of a circle. In particular, the author describes how these presentations can be used to establish mental images that can help pupils to understand, and so recall, the principles that underlie the formulae for…

The focus of this article is intervention for third-grade students with serious mathematics deficits at third grade. In third grade, such deficits are clearly established, and identification of mathematics disabilities typically begins. We provide background information on two aspects of mathematical cognition that present major challenges for…

This article evaluates online mathematical content used for teaching mathematics in engineering classes and in distance education for teacher training students. In the EU projects Xmath and dMath online computer algebra modules (Steplets) for undergraduate students assembled in the Xmath eBook have been designed. Two questionnaires, a compulsory…

The lack of U.S. students entering the science, technology, engineering, and math fields is one of teachers' primary educational woes. Surveys show that the small percentage of U.S. college students who choose to major in a math or science field gets even smaller by the end of students' freshman year. While the responsibility of STEM (science,…

The successful implementation of an innovation--information technology in this instance--is a process that is developmental in nature, and a highly personal experience for each teacher. Thus, for any change to be successful, the concerns of each individual teacher must be taken into consideration when intervention strategies are developed. Hall,…

Drawing on the experience of two first-year classrooms in Melbourne, Australia, this article explores numeracy learning within an information and communication technology (ICT) environment. Included are examples of how mathematical skills can be promoted and learned in such a way that children can extend their use to practical, problem-solving…

An ever-increasing number of classrooms are being equipped with computers. This trend began in the early 1970s and the numbers continue to swell at a more rapid pace each year. All facets of the computer world continue to multiply. Issues involving technology in schools will receive more and more attention, if not from internal sources then from…

Provided is an annotated bibliography on spreadsheets and the use of spreadsheets for science and mathematics. Each reference includes the following information: (1) author; (2) title of article or publication; (3) date; and (4) abstract. (RH)

Steiner's Porism states that if you can draw a connected ring of circles in the annular region between two original circles, the ring will be successfully completed no matter where you start. This paper explores how the TI-92 graphing calculator can be used to demonstrate Steiner's Porism and illustrate the main points of its proof. Inversion in…

This paper argues that using Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) to teach 12- to 18-year-old students is going to change teaching methods, the content of what has been taught, and exams. Traditional exam questions are analyzed and categorized according to their usefulness in a CAS environment. The goal is to give teachers new perspectives with which to…

The process of turning symbols into a mathematical sculpture has never been easier. A copy of Maple V release five and a Web browser configured with a VRML plug-in such as the Cosmo Player is necessary to do these activities. Maple V furnishes the computing environment with the capability of allowing for concentration on the mathematical…