[Maths-Education] Becta seminar on small software for mathematics using handheld te chnology

[David Wright]

Becta Seminar - 6th March 2002 - Scarman House, University of Warwick,
Coventry "Opportunities for small software and hand held technology in
mathematics education":

One of the most effective ways of supporting mathematics teaching and
learning through ICT has been the development of small software programs
focused on a particular aspect of mathematics.  Examples developed by the
Shell centre at Nottingham University or the SMILE project have become
recognised as being particularly valuable.  A constraint on using these
resources has been that of organising access to computers and integrating
the technology into the mathematics classroom.  Also, many of these programs
were developed for the BBC computer and have not transferred to the PC. 
 
Graphical calculators have evolved to the extent that they are now as
powerful as the BBC or 480Z computers of the past.  This means that teachers
and pupils now have access to technology running these programs which is
available on demand in the classroom. In addition, teacher's versions of
these calculators can be attached to a device that will give a large display
through an overhead projector for whole class use.

Becta's aim is to alert the educational community to the potential value for
mathematics education of this application of ICT.  Also, to alert developers
and manufacturers to the opportunities available to develop products to
support this aspect of mathematics education.

Becta has commissioned several projects over the past two years to explore
the potential of this development.  The first involved Texas Instruments
(TI), Casio and the SMILE centre working with four schools to develop case
studies of the use of hand held technology and small software in secondary
mathematics, a report was produced by Dr Sue Pope at the Roehampton
Institute, Surrey University.  Further projects involved case studies in the
development and testing of small software for Casio machines with Macmillan
CTC and an ongoing project involving TI and Wolverhampton schools.  Becta
also commissioned a report on new ideas and specifications for programs to
support Key Stage 3 mathematics in the topics of number, geometry and
algebra.

This seminar is an opportunity for the education community, developers and
manufacturers to hear reports from these projects and suggest further work
which would support these developments.

This is a small seminar and numbers are strictly limited, so an early
application is advised.
Please contact Sonia Tennant at Becta on 02476 416994, or email her at
sonia_tennant@becta.org.uk


David Wright

Education Officer:Curriculum Strategies
British Educational Communications and Technology agency(BECTa)
Milburn Hill Road
Science Park
Coventry
England
CV4 7JJ
+44(0)2476 416994
Mobile 07941 456340
david_wright@becta.org.uk
http://vtc.ngfl.gov.uk
http://www.becta.org.uk





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