| Abstract: | Summary When thinking of reasoning, problem solving, communication, and connecting related ideas, the tool of choice in nearly every discipline is the microcomputer. Furthermore, unlike the traditional calculator, the modern classroom computer has an unparalleled ability to implement both graphical and procedural components of mathematics understanding in a single unified object. By students' creation and utilization of mathematically relevant computer-based objects, this dual encapsulation provides them with a unique opportunity to see both the form of representation and their actions utilizing this representation simultaneously. This paper suggests that the object-oriented environments that modern technology enables are ideally suited to parallel and facilitate the ability of students to take a broader variety of action upon objectsof a nature and kind hitherto unknown. These student-controlled actionsupon these mathematically powerful and computer-enabled objectshave the potential for creating classroom environments that both surpass the pale hopes of the integrated learning system and surprise those wedded to a conservative view of Piagetian developmental levels. |
