Technology in the Mathematics Classroom
Workshop Rationale

NCTM position in Standards 2000
http://www.nctm.org/about/position_statements/position_statement_13.htm

The Use of Technology in the Learning and Teaching of Mathematics
The appropriate use of instructional technology tools is integral to the learningand teaching of mathematics
and to the assessment of mathematics learning at all levels.

Technology has changed the ways in which mathematics is used and has led to the creation of both new and expanded fields of mathematical study. Thus, technology is driving change in the content of mathematics programs, in methods for mathematics instruction, and in the ways that mathematics is learned and assessed. A vital aspect of such change is a teacher's ability to select and use appropriate instructional technology to develop, enhance, and extend students' understanding and application of mathematics. It is essential that teachers continue to explore the impact of instructional technology and the perspectives it provides on an expanding array of mathematics concepts, skills, and applications.

Therefore, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics makes the following recommendations:

• Every student should have access to an appropriate calculator.
• Every mathematics teacher should have access to a computer with appropriate software and network connections for instructional and non-instructional tasks.
• Every mathematics classroom should have computers with Internet connections available at all times for demonstrations and students' use.
• Every school mathematics program should provide students and teachers access to computers and other appropriate technology for individual, small-group, and whole-class use, as needed, on a daily basis.
• Curriculum development, evaluation, and revision must take into account the mathematical opportunities provided by instructional technology. When a curriculum is implemented, time and emphasis must be given to the use of technology to teach mathematics concepts, skills, and applications in the ways they are encountered in an age of ever increasing access to more-powerful technology.
• Professional development for pre service and in-service teachers must include opportunities to learn mathematics in technology-rich environments.

NJ Core Curriculum Standards
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/cccs/09mathstan4_05.html

Standard 4.5:
All students will regularly and routinely use calculators, Computers, manipulatives, and other mathematical tools to enhance mathematical thinking, understanding, and power.

Descriptive Statement: Calculators, computers, manipulatives, and other mathematical tools need to be used by students in both instructional and assessment activities. These tools should be used, not to replace mental math and paper-and-pencil computational skills, but to enhance understanding of mathematics and the power to use mathematics. Historically, people have developed and used manipulatives (such as fingers, base ten blocks, geoboards, and algebra tiles) and mathematical devices (such as protractors, Coordinate systems, and calculators) to help them understand and develop mathematics. Students should explore both new and familiar concepts with calculators and computers, but should also become proficient in using technology as it is used by adults, that is, for assistance in solving real-world problems.

Cumulative Progress Indicators

By the end of Grade 8, students:

• Use a variety of technologies to evaluate and validate problems solutions, and to investigate the properties of functions and their graphs.
• Use computer spreadsheets and graphing programs to organize and display quantitative information and to investigate properties of functions.

Building upon knowledge and skills gained in the preceding grades, and demonstrating continued progress in Indicators 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 above, by the end of Grade 12, students:

• Use calculators and computers effectively and efficiently in applying mathematical concepts and principles to various types of problems.

NJ Technology Resources
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/techno/toc.htm

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