A Role for Technology in Mathematics Education

Abstract

New technology poses challenges to mathematics educators. How should the mathematics curriculum change to best make use of this new technology? Often computers are used badly, as a sort of electronic flash card, which does not make good use of the capabilities of either the computer or the learner. However, computers can be used to help students develop mathematical habits of mind and construct mathematical ides. The mathematics curriculum must be restructured to include activities that allow students to experiment and build models to help explain mathematical ideas and concepts. Technology can be used most effectively to help students gather data, and test, modify, and reject or accept conjectures as they think about these mathematical concepts and experience mathematical research.