Analyzes mathematics software programs to find engaging and easy-to-use software for integration into the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Discusses criteria for judging good software and useful classroom implementation. (KHR)

The first in a series of three articles, successful instructional materials from a 15-year software development effort are analyzed and characterized with special attention given to educational experiences intended to shape students' perceptions of the fundamental nature, interconnectedness, and usefulness of mathematics. The software programs…

WordArt is a wizard feature in MS Word that changes text into a graphic object. It is located in the MS Word menu bar: Insert, Picture, WordArt. Text can be edited to create a multitude of special effects--all with very little, if any, graphic arts training. WordArt is perfect for word processing writing, allowing even primary students to create…

Four years ago, the authors started to develop a self-paced mathematics learning software called NPMaths by using an authoring package called Tencore. However, NPMaths had some weak points. A development team was hence formed to develop similar software called Mathematics On Line. This time the team used another development language called…

Focuses on two teachers who had made no use of DERIVE with their classes but who agreed to make regular use of DERIVE with one of their classes over the course of one year. Presents teachers' accounts of what they did. Discusses time issues in using DERIVE, the use of materials, pressures on teachers that influence their use of DERIVE, and the…

An understanding of past technological advancements can help educators understand the influence of new technologies in education. Inventions such as the abacus, logarithms, the slide rule, the calculating machine, computers, and electronic calculators have all found their place in mathematics education. While new technologies can be very useful,…

We expand the theoretical perspective based on the notions of description and conflict, which was previously used to the learning of functions and calculus, to the learning of deductive geometry supported by Dynamic Geometry (DG) environments. Based on prior studies on functions and on the potential role of a DG software, we analyze a case study…

Issues related to the uses of computers in instruction are discussed in eight brief essays. "The Word Processor in the Curriculum Today" looks at the implications of changing societal situations for selection of objectives, learning activities, and appraisal procedures that will reflect actual utilization of word processors. Programmed…

States that current trends encourage the integration of the curriculum which provides challenges for software programs that have been considered in other curricular areas. Finds that word processing software programs have the capability to not only enhance the mathematics program but also to integrate language arts into this instruction. (PA)

Describes experiences in mathematics with the Renaissance Project, a project designed in the United Kingdom to demonstrate the potential for interactive multimedia in higher education. Highlights include using HyperCard for mathematics software; courseware advantages; copyright; and courseware design issues, including navigation, examples, and…

Differences in computer languages are noted. Symbol-based languages offer some distinct advantages over number-based languages, both in the form and the content of the student's interaction with the computer. Some of these advantages are explored and their applications to teaching mathematics described. (MNS)

The analysis and simulation of spiral growth in plants integrates algebra and trigonometry in a botanical setting. When the ideas presented here are used in a mathematics classroom/computer lab, students can better understand how basic assumptions about plant growth lead to the golden ratio and how the use of circular functions leads to accurate…

Discusses geometry and Dynamical Geometry Software (DGS). Analyses the way DGS-use influences traditional geometry. Highlights changes in the interactions between geometry, computers, and DGS and human users, focusing on changes in the teaching and learning of geometry. Concludes that DGS deeply changes geometry if it is taken as a human activity…

Examples of relatively novel computer software environments from the representation perspective are described. Even more novel approaches to curriculum reform to cultivate higher-order thinking skills are then discussed. (MNS)