Explains an application of mathematical modeling within a school setting as well as progressive use of graphing calculators in mathematical modeling. Analyzes students' performances in the process of problem-solving using the problem of baton-passing in relay races. Discusses students' use of their mathematical knowledge and ideas when they used…

Data were analyzed to see if a correlation or relationship existed between students' grades in a course and students' rankings of the professor's teaching. Graphing calculators allowed students to visualize relationships between the data and to compute the equation of the regression line, compute the correlation coefficient, and test statistical…

Presents ways of using theories of knowing and learning to inform use of computer algebra systems (CAS) in school and early college mathematics. Describes the role of macroprocedures and microprocedures, process-object distinctions, and the movement towards more formal ways of expressing mathematical ideas. Discusses how these theories along with…

Recounts the experiences of faculty members as they addressed some of the challenges presented in choosing and integrating a new technology, the TI-89 hand-held computer algebra system (CAS), into the core mathematics curriculum. Relates in detail deciding which instrument to choose, instructing students to use the technology, affecting the…

Studied the effects of calculator use on performance on the Scholastic Assessment Test I through a questionnaire completed by 202,391 examinees in 1996 and 215,034 in 1997. Use of calculators was associated with higher performance, but the more able students were more likely to have calculators. Overall, the effects of calculators were found to be…

Evaluates the effectiveness of calculator usage in the learning of basic skills by developmental mathematics students with respect to increasing mathematical performance, as measured by a "no calculator permitted" content specific test. Results show calculator usage neither positively nor negatively affected the attainment of basic skills.…

Developing numerical relationships with calculators is emphasized. Calculators furnish some needed support for students as they investigate the value of fractions as the numerators or denominators change. An example with Logo programing for computers is also included. (MNS)

Examples are given of how calculator-sized pocket computers, which can receive, store, and execute BASIC programs, can be used in mathematics classrooms. (MNS)

Presents two activities created by preservice middle school teachers that integrate technology and real-life mathematics in algebra. (MKR)

Discusses a differential equations course emphasizing conceptual understanding, linear and nonlinear systems, and technology. Presents sample exercises illustrating the difference between this approach and the traditional approach. (MKR)

By developing a sequence of mathematical models of harmonic motion, shows that mathematical models are not right or wrong, but instead are better or poorer representations of the problem situation. (MKR)

The column for teachers of deaf students addresses issues in mathematics instruction including the impact of calculators, the need to ask students more "why" questions, the value of students writing about mathematics, and the effectiveness of pairing students for problem solving. (DB)

Using De Moivre's theorem and a parametric graphing utility, examines powers and roots of complex numbers and allows students to establish connections between the visual and numerical representations of complex numbers. Provides a program to numerically verify the roots of complex numbers. (MDH)

Presents a game to capture student interest in probability by giving them an opportunity to explore the idea of various outcomes and the likelihood of the occurrence of one of those outcomes to explain the benefits of using a large sample rather than a small one. (ASK)

Describes four activities that use graphing calculators to model nuclear-decay phenomena. Students ultimately develop a notion about the radioactive waste produced by nuclear fission. These activities are in line with national educational standards and allow for the integration of science and mathematics. Contains 13 references. (Author/WRM)