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.
What I will talk about
Courses I teach for inservice mathematics teachers
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.