Search

The Internet, which interconnects telecommunications systems worldwide, can provide mathematics teachers with a tool for instruction. It allows students and teachers to access data which they can use for exercises in analysis and critical thinking and information exchange. It can also provide students with opportunities to use factual data, send messages to a specific audience through electronic mail and learn how to collaborate with other Internet users in solving problems., Throughout the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 1989) the notion of students and teachers as critical thinkers, information seekers, and problem solvers is a priority. The Internet, [...]

Parents and students can both learn about Math together in a fun setting through the Family Math program. Activities involve the use of software in the grasp of mathematical concepts where the parent asks questions to help his child learn math but not give answers. Parents are also given the option to use or not to use the computer aids, which functions as the tool to extend the mathematical learning process for both parents and students., What do you do when a parent asks you how they can help their child in mathematics? What if a parent wants to learn to use a calculator or a [...]

Inaccuracy is inevitable in the use of digital computing devices. It may result from the magnification of graphical representations or the performance of multiple iterations on algorithms. Inaccuracy in computations result from the use of an infinite mantissa. This situation can be minimized by avoiding the subtraction of numbers that are almost equal. Loss of accuracy has several implications for mathematics instruction. It shows that in the use of computing aids, more is not necessarily better. Teachers and students should also recognize the reasonable accuracy and the limitations of computing aids.

A new software called the Geometer's Sketchpad enables students of geometry to learn new concepts by exploring and manipulating figures on the screen. With the use of a mouse, the teacher can draw lines which could be moved around to teach the different types of angles and triangles. The program also contains an electronic compass, pointer and ruler. This method can be complemented with a hands on activity to further enhance student involvement in the learning process.

Precalculus students often learn the processes involved in solving the roots of a polynomial equation without grasping the concept at all. Using their own social security numbers as coefficients of the polynomial, a graphical representation can be derived. The roots of the polynomial should then be located using this graph and compared with the results derived from the algebraic solution. This combination of methods facilitates a better understanding of this abstract concept.