The increase in availability of educational technologies over the past few decades has not only led to new practice in teaching mathematics but also to new perspectives in research, methodologies, and theoretical frameworks within mathematics education. Hence, the amalgamation of theoretical and pragmatic considerations in digital tool design…

This experiment investigates the effectiveness of Excel spreadsheets in a high school algebra class. Students in the experiment group convincingly outperformed the control group on a post lesson assessment. The student responses, teacher observations involving Excel spreadsheet revealed that it operated as a mindtool, which formed the users'…

This paper explores the use of spreadsheets to develop an exploratory environment where mathematics students can develop their own understanding of the parameters of commonly encountered families of functions: linear, logarithmic, exponential and power. The key to this understanding involves opening up the definition of rate of change from the…

This paper was prepared in response to the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences recommendations for the preparation of secondary teachers. It shows how using trigonometry as a conceptual tool in spreadsheet-based applications enables one to develop mathematical understanding in the context of constructing geometric representations of unit…

This case study investigated the impact of a spreadsheet (EXCEL) exploration on the understanding of statistical graphs among twenty Singapore secondary school students of average ability. Four EXCEL templates were constructed to allow students to explore four aspects of statistical graphs: zero in scale, effect of different scales, size…

To integrate technology into mathematics teaching and learning effectively, teachers could create a technology-based learning environment that provides students with opportunities to experience the process of mathematical investigation. These opportunities range from exploring using mathematical ideas to making and testing conjectures, as well as…

Designs a set of spreadsheet-supported activities to examine how preservice and inservice teachers behave in an exploratory computer setting, thus providing clues capable of informing the design of other learning opportunities using this technological tool. Describes the content of the activities devised and some of the strategies used by teachers…

Reports on the results of a project that involved experienced K-12 teachers in mathematical modeling, using variables and functions in a fundamental and intuitive context, while investigating the appropriateness of spreadsheet solution methods across a broad range of grade levels. (14 references) (LZ)

Shows how the joint use of a dynamic geometry program and a spreadsheet can provide a computational environment for exploring geometry on plane lattices that lessens the risk of developing the false empiricist view of mathematics often associated with the use of information technology. Contains 17 references. (Author/ASK)

Presents ideas for using a spreadsheet to reinforce teaching of enumerative combinatories in the secondary mathematics classroom. (PR)

This review examines the use of spreadsheets to introduce students to elementary concepts of mathematical dynamical systems. Key definitions from this field as well as specific assignments that were given as part of an elective mathematics course are discussed. (LZ)

Spreadsheets have become popular tools for exploring mathematical patterns and building conceptual understanding of variables and functional relationships. Presents examples of students' work to illustrate multiple paths of inquiry, generalization, and mathematical reasoning. Supports effective investigation of patterns and functions for students…

Describes two general spreadsheet templates to carry out all types of one-equation chemical equilibrium calculations encountered by students in undergraduate chemistry courses. Algorithms, templates, macros, and representative examples are presented to illustrate the approach. (PR)

Examines the use of spreadsheets for solving equations by the method of iterations. The combination of the spreadsheets and graphical representation is shown to be appropriate both for teaching and learning the method of iterations and for investigating properties of equations. (Author)

This paper suggests that knowledge of the school mathematics curriculum, as one of the key components of teachers' education, can be extended to include concepts and structures that generally belong to hidden domains of the curriculum. Motivated by work done with elementary pre-service teachers in a mathematics course employing a hidden…