Describes an inquiry into students' uses of graphics calculators in the Tertiary Entrance Examination of Calculus in Western Australia for 1998. Discusses a comparative analysis of boys' and girls' performances. Indicates that the main areas of difficulty for students are interpreting graphing calculator outputs and knowing when use of graphing…

Describes how a braillewriter can be used as a calculation tool for students with visual impairments who are learning mathematics. Provides strategies for teaching students to use the braillewriter in the addition and subtraction of whole numbers and numbers with decimals, multiplication, division, and fractions. (CR)

Addresses three issues of Calculator-based Ranger (CBR) activities on graphing abilities: (a) the effect of CBR activities on graphing abilities; (b) the extent to which prior knowledge about graphing skills affects graphing ability; and (c) the influence of instructional styles on students' graphing abilities. Indicates that CBR activities are…

Presents examples to illustrate that iteration and recursion are useful pedagogical tools that can be used in many areas of mathematics, make models traditionally taught in upper levels accessible in grades 9-14, and provide alternative problem solving approaches less dependent upon ready-made formulas. (Author/MM)

Describes a classroom experiment using hand-held computer algebra systems (CAS) for the learning of algebra with the aim of developing the conception of a parameter as a means for generalization. The idea of the instrumentation of information and communications technology tools turned out to be fruitful in the interpretation of the students'…

Presents a mathematics activity using hand-held technology that can be used with elementary school students. Uses graphing calculators and calculator-based laboratories in this activity. (Contains 11 references.) (ASK)

The author and many illustrious co-signers sent an open letter to the U.S. Department of Education protesting a report designating 10 "exemplary" or "promising" math programs. The programs over-emphasize data analysis and statistics, de-emphasize arithmetic and algebra, and advocate early calculator use, which can undermine…

Uses the random-number generator and list features on the TI-83 graphing calculator to generate lists of sample means to help illustrate the concepts discussed in introductory statistics courses. (ASK)

Introduces a lesson that incorporates numeric, graphic, and algebraic approaches as well as a strong verbal communication component into the maximizing problem. (ASK)

This article details an exploration of exponential decay and growth relationships using M&M's and dice. Students collect data for mathematical models and use graphing calculators to make sense of the general form of the exponential functions. (Contains 10 figures and 2 tables.)

This article describes a project in which certain key concepts in probability were explored using graphics calculators with year 10 students. The lessons were conducted in the regular classroom where students were provided with a Casio CFX 9850 GB PLUS graphics calculator with which they were familiar from year 9. The participants in the…

The backdrop of the calculus reform movement created a fertile movement for the creation of overlap between general chemistry and precalculus as many of the goals emphasized key concepts from the chemistry lab. By using the graphing calculator in both precalculus and chemistry laboratory enhanced the students' comfort and competence with the…

In science, inquiry is used as students explore important and interesting questions concerning the world around them. In mathematics, one contemporary inquiry approach is to create models that describe real phenomena. Creating mathematical models using spreadsheets can help students learn at deep levels in both science and mathematics, and give…

We find that students in the big mathematics service courses at the Johns Hopkins University who were encouraged to use calculators in K-12 have somewhat lower grades than those who weren't.

Todd Lee and colleagues share some of the common technology "pranks" and peculiarities from the three most common technology tools used in our classrooms: Microsoft Excel, graphing calculators, and The Geometer's Sketchpad. The "Surfing Note" includes a link to a collection of funny math cartoons from the Carolina Biological Supply Company.