The gap between expectations and reality: integrating computers into mathematics classrooms

As a result of dramatic changes in mathematics education around the world, in Turkey both elementary and secondary school mathematics curriculums have changed in the light of new demands since 2005. In order to perform the expected change in newly developed curriculum, computer should be integrated into learning and teaching process. Teachers’ beliefs play a key role in this integration process. Negative beliefs against using computer in mathematics teaching may lead to failure of this process. With the help of this study, it is aimed to detect mathematics teachers’ beliefs concerning Computer Assisted Mathematics Instruction (CAMI). Within the scope of this aim, the conducted questionnaire (The opinions of teachers about using computer in Mathematics Instruction) has been carried out on 91 mathematics teachers in the city of Trabzon. The acquired results have shown that mathematics teachers have developed negative opinions against CAMI. This state has revealed that there is a huge inconsistency between curriculum’s positive expectations arising from computer usage and teachers’ convictions.     

The quality of education in Asia: the perennial priority

Given the progress in expanding access, many countries now view improving quality as their next task. However, there is little consensus about how to do, who should do it, or how to weigh quality against the costs. However, it is likely that more decisions that influence quality will be made at the school and community levels.     

Training priority: Positive suggestions

“Keep the sand low, Mike, so it doesn't accidentally get in someone's eyes. That would hurt. Yes, like that — you and Jonathan are building some very long roads. Would a little water help you pack them smoothly?” This teacher's tone of voice is accepting, and her words show understanding of the lifelong learning process.     

生态设计教育之重

为实现从工业文明向生态文明的转换,现代设计教育应以生态设计教育为重,建立生态整体的教育理念,将生态设计教育纳入到设计教育的教学体系中,树立设计的价值理性观,并从学术和专业角度及时反映在教学研究中。     

Round girls in square computers:

What is the first step beyond this dreaming activity? Understanding where future research in this area could move is an excellent extension of this work. Is the distancing experienced by girls’ interactions with computer software oozing beyond the borders of the screen, beyond what is inside the computer? Might it be that the distancing is also a function of the external manifestation of the computer itself the way it looks on the outside? We don’t know how important the physical structure of the computer is. This is an area worthy of more rigorous research. Our work focuses on the actual, unalterable hardware facets of computers from the late 1990’s the outside 6 and suggests alternative constructions that might make computers more approachable for and appealing to girls. But we don’t know if indeed such computers would be more appealing, nor do we know what the interest or impact of more essentialized recent computers such as the Barbie and Hot Wheels computers are. Rigorous qualitative research into the adoption tendencies and impact on gender relations of the introduction of such essentialized products needs to be accomplished. The original design of the computer was based not on marketing needs or perceptions, nor on progressive concepts of equity, but rather on functionality for those who created the hardware itself. As a result, it is likely to be quite appealing to the designers, but may be less so to those who were outside this creative process. The importance of resting the design decisions with users has been the subject of several important texts on developing computer systems including Norman’s Design of Everyday Things (1988) and also Schuler & Namioka’s Participatory Design: Principles and Practices (1993).     

The use of computers in sports science

A survey of UK sports scientists was carried out to identify the extent and nature of uses for computers, it was found that over 40% of those surveyed use computers for teaching and research. Whilst a number of areas were shown to be amenable to computer application, exercise science was the most common. Generally the software was considered to be robust, flexible and of great value. Approximately two thirds of all software was commercial in origin. Many people were unsure about licence agreements and copyright but all expressed a keen desire for better communication between users and a greater sharing of information.