[Maths-Education] Re: ICT in mathematics

[Alexandre Borovik]

On 08/03/2011 14:36, Tandi Clausen-May wrote:
> If the assessment required pupils to use Geogebra or Autograph to do some
> mathematics then they would probably be more successful if they had learnt
> some mathematics using these tools, so ICT would have 'a positive impact on
> attainment in mathematics'.  But the assessments do not require this, so the
> evidence is hard to find.

I dare to suggest that if a student needs particular software (say, 
Autograph) to answer a mathematical question, this means that he or she 
has learnt Autograph, not mathematics. Also, why not accept that if "the 
evidence is hard to find" then perhaps it does not exist?

IMHO, the ability to do and to communicate mathematics should not depend 
on the medium of communication. If it is dependent than something is 
wrong it the way students are taught.

Alexandre

-- 
Professor Alexandre Borovik * University of Manchester
Web:       http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/~avb/
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