This study aimed to investigate the relative effectiveness of a computer-supported teaching sequence in solving optimization problems in calculus compared to a traditional teaching approach. The participants in the study were 46 first-year prospective mathematics teachers studying in two different classes of a four-year elementary mathematics…

Nowadays, mathematics teachers in K-12 strive to promote their students' mathematical knowledge and computational thinking (CT) skills. There is an increasing need for effective CT-embedded mathematics learning material and a better understanding of students' views toward them. In this work, we present the results of a research study, which…

This study aimed to explore the effects of an instructional intervention in which GeoGebra and the think-pair-share method were used to teach the relationship between the graph of a parametric curve and the derivatives of its component functions. The participants in the study were 19 prospective mathematics teachers. To assess the understanding of…

This study explored how the challenges encountered during integral sign determination process change after various learning processes. In this comparative investigation which is based on qualitative data, the students in the CAS group were subjected to technology enhanced teaching whereas the students in the traditional group were subjected to the…

An online testing system developed for entry-skills testing of first-year university students in algebra and calculus is described. The system combines the open-source computer algebra system "Maxima" with computer scripts to parse student answers, which are entered using standard mathematical notation and conventions. The answers can…

This paper proposes modelling based learning as a tool for learning and teaching mathematics. The example of modelling real world problems leading to the exponential function as the solution of differential equations is described, as well as the observations about students' activities during the process. The students were acquainted with the…

MATLAB is a powerful package for numerical computation. MATLAB contains a rich pool of mathematical functions and provides flexible plotting functions for illustrating mathematical solutions. The course of calculus-based business mathematics consists of two major topics: 1) derivative and its applications in business; and 2) integration and its…

The constraints of a computer algebra system (CAS) generally induce limitations on its usage. Via the pedagogical features implemented in such a system, "motivating constraints" can appear, encouraging advanced theoretical learning, providing a broader mathematical knowledge and more profound mathematical understanding. We discuss this issue,…

Shows how a simple spreadsheet program can be used to teach calculus concepts more effectively through simultaneous use of review questions and instructions, actual manipulation of data and formulas, and visual illustration of results. Concepts illustrated include the difference quotient and derivation of a function; difference and differential;…

This paper describes the nature and use of a computer-assisted sequence of instruction in college-level mathematics. Units in differential and integral calculus and geometry are described. The authors claim that students acquire increased confidence in their knowledge and problem-solving ability. (SD)

Described are various ways that a computer algebra system (MAPLE) was used to facilitate the resequencing of skills and applications within an elementary college-level business calculus course. Experimental results confirmed earlier findings that skills acquisition is not a prerequisite to conceptual understanding or problem-solving ability. (JJK)

The Individualized Supplementary Calculus Instruction (ISCI) Program is a computer-based tutorial resource in use on several campuses and by large companies needing to train employees in calculus. Evaluation showed ISCI to be effective, especially with students who report little talent for mathematics. (SD)

A preservice teacher education course involving the applications for a computer within the mathematics classroom is described in terms of its evolution from a workshop to a regular curricular offering. Included are samples of computer experiments which suggest computer teaching activities for the prospective teacher lacking in field experience.…

Describes how the computer algebra system Mathematica can be used to enhance the teaching of the topics of sequences and series. Examines its capabilities to find exact, approximate, and graphically generated approximate solutions to problems from these topics and to understand proofs about sequences. (MDH)

After discussing the role of supercalculators within the business calculus curriculum, several examples are presented which allow the reader to examine the capabilities and codes of calculators specific to different major manufacturers. The topics examined include annuities, Newton's method, fixed point iteration, graphing, solvers, and…