Traditionally, mathematics has been taught using a very direct approach which the teacher explains the procedure to solve a problem and the students use pencil and paper to solve the problem. However, a variety of alternative approaches to mathematics have surfaced from a number of different directions. The purpose of this study was to examine the…

This article utilizes several examples to describe the use of MathCAD, a computer scratchpad for calculations, within a lecture-demonstration method of teaching general calculus. Both hardware requirements and software features are discussed specifically related to the proper design of student worksheets with emphasis on parameter variation. (JJK)

An experimental class in introductory statistics (n=40) using simulation software at American University was compared to a traditionally taught control group (n=36) with respect to achievement and accrued beliefs about the benefits of the simulations. Results indicate significantly higher achievement scores for the experimental class with about…

Examines the use of the computer to approximate the value of the definite integral normally calculated by mathematical means. Presents four examples using BASIC programs to approximate single and double integrals by numerical integration and the Monte Carlo method. Programs are provided. (MDH)

Compares student achievement based upon which calculus program--traditional calculus, Harvard Consortium Calculus, or Calculus Using Mathematica--the student completed. Finds some differences when students took different types of calculus during subsequent terms. Justifies teaching reformed calculus in place of traditional calculus. (Author/ASK)

Discusses efforts to infuse telecommunications into the science component of a teacher education program; highlights the initial goals, challenges, successes, and obstacles; and ponders questions of access and reform. (Author/MKR)

Describes an educational software program for the study of and detection methods for the cosmic ray muons passing through several light transparent materials (i.e., water, air, etc.). Simulates muons and Cherenkov photons' paths and interactions and visualizes/animates them on the computer screen using Monte Carlo methods/techniques which employ…

Interactive videodisc controlled via hypermedia has the potential to create a virtual world in which novice teachers can experience and reflect upon problems of practice. This article describes case materials being used with elementary teacher preparation programs to provide a "field experience" with exemplary science teachers.…

Outlines how a course in robotics can be taught at the undergraduate level with specific experiments that can be used for incremental learning in programming a mobile robot or by simulating the actions of a robot. Contains 14 references. (Author/ASK)

Surveys of perceptions and attitudes of preservice elementary science teachers regarding their use of telecommunications indicated that they perceived networks as useful tools for enhancing teacher training programs and for supporting their work in the schools. (16 references) (Author/MKR)

Online assessment in mathematics is becoming more prominent as mathematics and the internet become more compatible. This paper is based on a case study of a web-based calculus course in which a combination of paper and online assessment is used for assessing various activities. The paper first investigates what student assessment preferences are…

The implementation of the first phase of a project involving the use of computer software in a course on the mathematics of finance is discussed. Results of a controlled experiment indicated that the techniques employed seemed to have positively impacted the performance of the students. (CW)

A nonconventional graphical way to represent functions (the Parallel Axes Representation) is discussed. A computerized environment designed to support the exploration of the representation of linear functions is described. The didactical potential of this representation is illustrated. (CW)

Describes the use of simulation to introduce the bootstrapping technique of creating confidence intervals for the mean, median, and variance. These bootstrap confidence intervals are compared to the traditional confidence intervals for the purpose of analyzing accuracy of the technique. A Minitab program to produce confidence intervals is…

The results of a simulation model of a queuing system are reported. Use in an introductory quantitative analysis course to enhance students' computer and quantitative modeling knowledge is described. (CW)