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…

Earth Algebra is an entry level college algebra course that incorporates the spirit of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics at the college level. The context of the course places mathematics at the center of one of the major current concerns of the world. Through…

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…

Astro Algebra is one of six titles in the Mighty Math Series from Edmark, a comprehensive line of math software for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Many of the activities in Astro Algebra contain a unique technology that uses the computer to help students make the connection between concrete and abstract mathematics. This software…

Presents algebra course curriculum that utilizes a symbolic algebra system called PAD (Power, Application, and Depth). Demonstrates an example using PAD and points out that mathematics courses using this software present new ways for students to launch the power of algebraic thinking. (ASK)

Methods of effectively teaching algebraic thinking in elementary schools as well as secondary schools is the topic of the following 19 papers. Papers include: (1) "Transforming Algebra from an Engine of Inequity to an Engine of Mathematical Power by 'Algebrafying' the K-12 Curriculum" (J. Kaput); (2) "Developing a Coherent and…

Students (n=61) in an experimental course stressing active student involvement and the use of a computer algebra system scored higher than students (n=76) in a traditional college algebra course on final measures of inductive reasoning, visualization, and problem solving while maintaining equivalent manipulation and computation skills. (Author/MLB)

This booklet presents the high school assessment program for algebra by listing Maryland's Core Learning Goals. The match of content indicators and the skills for successful elaborations in thinking, communication, and technology regarding algebra are discussed. (ASK)

Discusses reasons for using spreadsheets in mathematics education. Presents mathematics activities for beginning algebra classes using spreadsheets. (ASK)

Analyzes student construction of function-based problem solving methods in introductory algebra. Describes longitudinal observation of a pair of students that studied algebra for three years using the function approach including intensive use of graphing technology. Offers terms for describing and explaining what and how do learners appreciate and…

Surveys of mathematics department chairpersons about changes in algebra instructional practices in response to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Curriculum and Evaluation Standards showed wide variation across schools. Contains survey questions on practices in algebra and a bibliography of first-year algebra textbooks. (12…

Shows how technologies are essential in a new algebra curriculum based on the NCTM Standards. This article is one of the keynote addresses of the Algebra Working Group of the Seventh International Conference on Mathematical Education held in Quebec City, Canada in August 1992. (24 references) (MKR)

Presents ways to improve the accuracy of approximations of logarithms in a college-algebra course. (Author/ASK)

Computer-Intensive Algebra (CIA) focuses on the use of technology to help develop a rich understanding of fundamental algebraic concepts in real-world settings using computing tools for easy access to numerical, graphical, and symbolic representations of mathematical ideas. (MKR)

Discusses the impact of computer algebra systems and evolving educational technologies on the mathematics curriculum, including fundamental assumptions, understandings that are needed, overarching priorities (acquiring and using knowledge), impact on students and parameters of instruction, and impact on faculty. (43 references) (MKR)