Technology offers the opportunity to study larger, more difficult group structures and perform tedious computations quickly while maintaining the focus on concepts over calculations. Explores several technology options available to the instructor as well as sample assignments and class explorations that effectively integrate technology within the…

Using a Computer Algebra System (CAS) to help with the teaching of an elementary course in linear algebra can be one way to introduce computer algebra, numerical analysis, data structures, and algorithms. Highlights the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to the teaching of linear algebra. (Author/MM)

Presents evaluative work based on the computer algebra system (CAS) TREEFROG which enables drill-and-practice examples to be attempted with immediate, and ultimately intelligent, feedback. Contends that by using a suitable repertoire of black and white box CAS, a full range of algebraic skills can be developed. Presents preliminary evidence based…

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…

Describes a teaching experiment in which spreadsheets and computer algebra systems were used to teach a low-level college consumer mathematics course. Students were successful in using different types of functions to solve a variety of problems drawn from real-world situations. Provides an existence proof that computer algebra systems can assist…

Describes the experimental intelligent computer algebra system STRAMS which can solve problems using a set of methods and techniques traditionally taught, learn new mathematical problem solving methods, and generate different kinds of explanations. Analyzes these features of STRAMS to give reasons for its potential applicability in building…

Reports on a study in which three volunteer teachers helped design and then taught an experimental program of introductory differential calculus in which students had full access to calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) in the classroom, at home, and during tests. Test scores indicated that the classes had learned similar amounts of…

Describes a research and development project whose main focus is the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in mathematics classrooms and the didactical possibilities linked with its use. Focuses on the possibilities and problems of cooperation between theory and practice and between mathematics educators and teachers. (Author/MM)

Describes a prototype package that uses algorithms created within the symbolic algebra system Axiom, numerical routines from the NAG Libraries together with the easy-to-use facilities of modern graphical interfaces. Considers the implementation of different techniques, both symbolic and numeric, for the analysis and calculation of interpolating…

Provides evidence of differences in students' ability to solve problems with and without a computer algebra system. Indicates that almost without exception, the TI-92 students were more successful at symbolically solving problems than comparison students. Observes improved performance on all three levels of problems: (1) directive computational;…

Stresses the links between the technical work and the conceptual reflection in the learning of mathematics and argues that the potential of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) is to be found in the more varied and richer techniques that CAS can offer. Reports on an experiment with DERIVE as well as findings of research on graphical calculators, and…

Reviews examination questions and categorizes them according to their usefulness in a Computer Algebra System (CAS) environment with respect to their significance for testing abilities and skills and from the point of view of using a CAS for their solution. Examination questions are presented as an important didactical tool in teaching…

Documents what high school students showed when asked to work on tasks that involved the use of various representations. Indicates that few students made proper connections between representations and the initial situation or problem on their own and exhibited competence in procedures such as expressing an area or solving quadratic equations, but…

Identifies a number of algebraic constructs that emerge from conducting investigations in a Logo environment. Details the intellectual struggle of a number of students as they interact with the environment. Reports on the development of a series of comparative case studies with seven students enrolled in an online talent education development…

Provides experiences of teaching students who had the use of a TI-92 for the semester, both in and out of class, with a greater emphasis on modeling and qualitative graphical methods and decreased emphasis on explicit solution techniques. Indicates that the TI-92 proved to be an invaluable tool for this course. (Author/ASK)