Department of Mathematics Education

TECHNOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

by

James W. Wilson

A presentation for the Department of Mathematics, University of Kansas, December 7, 2000.

Abstract

Appropriate uses of technology tools can enhance mathematics learning and teaching, support conceptual development of mathematics, enable mathematics investigations by students and teachers, and influence what mathematics is taught and learned. This talk focuses on preparing mathematics teachers to use appropriate technology tools into doing their own mathematics and to incorporate appropriate technology tools into teaching, learning, and curriculum. Demonstgrations with Geometer's Sketchpad, Graphing Calculator 3.0 and Excel will be included.

Introduction

 

Good mathematics teaching, meaningful reform, and genuine improvement of mathematics inststruction will result only if it is manifested within mathematics classrooms.

The role of the teacher is essential.

The growing nearly universal availability of technology tools provides a grand opportunity to assist teachers in teaching well and in improving the mathematics experiences of students.

 

Other relevant papers.

Mathematics Education Web Course Development on a Shoestring

Technology in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

 

What I will talk about

Courses I teach for inservice mathematics teachers

Technology and secondary school mathematics

Problem solving in mathematics

Project InterMath

 

Potential benefits of appropriate technology use

Promote better mathematics learning.

Build conceptual understanding

Doing mathematics

investigations

problem solving

applications

exploration

Communication within/about mathematics

New look at some "old" stuff

Doing mathematics not likely to be encountered without technology

Doing mathematics that incorporates technology (e.g. iterations)

Self-Confidence about one's mathematics

Generative tools for constructing one's further mathematics study.

 

My students

Inservice secondary teachers.

Minimum of 11 collegiate mathematics courses including

Calculus I and II. Sometimes multivariate also

Linear algebra

Introduction to Higher Mathematics (How to do proofs)

Abstract algebra. Sometimes two courses.

College Geometry. Somethimes two courses.

Statistics

Other upper division mathematics or teaching field courses such as History of Mathematics or Problem solving in Mathematics.

Some knowledge of technology.

 

InterMath Students

Inservice middle school mathematics teachers.

Limited mathematics background.