THE INFLUENCE OF A COMPUTER ALGEBRA ENVIRONMENT ON TEACHERS' PRACTICE

Abstract

Using a computer algebra system (CAS) in the classroom provides many opportunities for improving student learning. However, to take advantage of such a powerful instrument as CAS requires changes to many aspects of the classroom. The different ways in which three pioneering Australian teachers adapted their teaching to use CAS are described (see also Appendix 4-1, for a comparison with similar experiences in other countries). Two of the teachers taught an eight-week course in each of two consecutive years (the CAS-Calculus project) at secondary school level, using a symbolic calculator. They gave CAS different roles in the instruction and in defining their curriculum goals. One teacher used ..