In recent years computer algebra systems (CAS) have become an integrated part of the upper secondary school mathematics program. Despite the many positive possibilities of CAS, there also seems to be a flip side of the coin in relation to actual difficulties in learning mathematics, not least because a strong dependence on CAS for mathematical…

In certain digital environments, "hot-spots" are key infrastructural pieces that allow the dynamic construction and re-construction of mathematical figures. We shall discuss their existence with respect to what we call user-environment co-actions, describing how they are sustainable bi-directional processes that have the potential to ground and…

Discusses children's use of spreadsheets and the access that this gives to the instantaneous production of a variety of graphs. (10 references) (MKR)

Discusses the view of numeracy as the culture of utility in mathematics education in more technological society. Provides examples from different cultures of the workplace and computer uses in mathematics classrooms. Contains 30 references. (ASK)

Reflects on some aspects of learning mathematics that emerged along the way in creating a turtle-based exploratory tool for non-Euclidean geometry. Contains 14 references. (ASK)

Discusses some aspects of learning to read the process of the variation in congruence and relate it to the original geometry of the sphere since it touches on more general questions about how models are appropriated and used. Presents a learning episode that implemented projective models for both spherical and hyperbolic geometry in Object Logo.…

The mathematical curriculum of the next millennium should harness children's motivation without losing their mathematics. Envisages that the computer might offer just the context to help do this. Presents snapshots from two case studies. (Contains 18 references.) (ASK)

Outlines the approach of a study that aimed to observe young children as they constructed meanings for randomness in computer-based setting. Provides a snapshot of two children working with the tools made available in that setting. Uses this picture to begin the formulation of a theoretical framework for the construction of meaning in one…

Investigates young people's expression of mathematical ideas with a computer, the nature of mathematical practices, and the problem of mathematical meaning from cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. Describes a mathematical activity system designed for learning and the role of digital technologies in helping to understand and reshape the…

Discusses using the computer to promote versatile learning of higher order concepts in algebra and calculus. Generic organizers, generic difficulties, and differences between mathematical and cognitive approaches are considered. (YP)

Describes some topics of French research: relationships between teaching and learning, choices and constraints of the didactic system, role of the computer, and forms of the functioning knowledge. (YP)

Discusses concerns for mathematics education research on algebra and requestions methods that focus on the Piagetian concept of cognitive obstacles. Suggests the use of computer-based environments to develop the concept of variable and offers research findings indicating that experiences working with variables in LOGO influences student…

Analyzes case study data of 10 low achieving students, ages 14-15, to examine the effects of participation in computer spreadsheet sessions on their understanding of mathematical symbols. Participation improved students' attitudes toward problem solving. (MDH)