We examine teachers' classroom activities with the spreadsheet, focusing especially on episodes marked by improvisation and uncertainty. The framework is based on Saxe's cultural approach to cognitive development. The study considers two teachers, one positively disposed towards classroom use of technology, and the other not, both of them…

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 book provides a brief and succinct introduction to AppleWorks and is designed for use by teachers who are already familiar with the three AppleWorks tools: the word processor, the database, and the spreadsheet. "Classworks" (developed for grades 8 and 9) emphasizes computer work in which the teacher serves as troubleshooter,…

Shows how to model Newton's method for approximating roots on a spreadsheet. (MKR)

Presents a numerical simulation of a simple food chain together with a set of mathematical rules generalizing the model to a food web of any complexity. Discusses some of the model's interesting features and its use by students. (Author/JRH)

Encourages using spreadsheets to teach college economics because of their capacity to depict economic models, strengthen logical ability, and manipulate large amounts of data. Lists spreadsheet packages that are available and offers detailed instruction through graphs on how to design and interpret spreadsheets for classroom use. (CH)

Presents the use of spreadsheets as an alternative method for precalculus students to solve maximum or minimum problems involving surface area and volume. Concludes that students with less technical backgrounds can solve problems normally requiring calculus and suggests sources for additional problems. (MDH)

Describes the use of three computer tools used to enhance the teaching and learning of algebra: the spreadsheet, LOGO, and computer algebra tools. Examines the strengths of each tool and presents practical considerations for their use. (MDH)

Discussed are the use of spreadsheets for demonstrating and exploring with the whole class, basic and advanced spreadsheet operations, geometric progressions, and graphing. Teacher responses to these methods are described. (CW)

Evaluates a pair of workshops conducted by the Physics Courseware Evaluation Project. Presents data collected on computer tool needs of the teachers, microcomputer-based laboratory probes usage, spreadsheet usage, software usage, effectiveness of technology in the classroom, and teacher involvement with computers. Reports that high school teachers…

This article provides pedagogical techniques that require active student participation in the use of computer spreadsheets while determining recursive numerical solutions to equations. Included are several computer screen displays which illustrate the various advantages in using spreadsheets specific to synthetic division, the bisection method,…

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)

The purpose of this notebook is to assist educators who are designing and implementing inservice education programs to facilitate the effective use of computer integrated instruction (CII) in schools. The book is divided into the following five sections: (1) Effective Inservice (a brief summary of inservice literature focused on inservice…

The purpose of this notebook is to assist educators who are designing and implementing inservice education programs to facilitate the effective use of computer integrated instruction (CII) in schools. It is divided into the following five sections: (1) Effective Inservice (a brief summary of inservice literature focused on inservice dimensions and…

Described is the generation of a scale model of the solar system and the milky way galaxy using a computer spreadsheet program. A sample spreadsheet including cell formulas is provided. Suggestions for using this activity as a teaching technique are included. (CW)