........ published in NEWSLETTER # 50
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........ published in NEWSLETTER # 50
ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE
by Professor D.D. Ferguson, State University of New York, Stony Brook/NY (U.S.A.)
Thirty world leaders in mathematics, science and engineering education present powerful examples that demonstrate the current practice and future potential for applications of advanced technologies in learning and teaching. The examples are drawn from a wide range of fields, including mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, chemistry and biology. The papers offer insight into central issues in learning and teaching across many grade levels, ranging from elementary school through high school and into undergraduate college/university education.
Topics explored include technology's influence on what should be taught, what can be taught, and how teachers might use technology in powerful ways. The notions of discovery, representation, qualitative models for reasoning, building quantitative models, constructivist approaches to learning, cognitive modelling, and the management of complexity are key elements in numerous papers. These aspects, as well as other fundamental notions in problem solving, are supported by an array of computer_based learning activities (microworlds, micro_computer based laboratories, modelling tools, symbolic computation systems, tools for visualization, highly specialized programming languages, and intelligent tutoring systems).
The book (NATO ASI SERIES F107) is divided into two parts. The first part examines advanced technologies in the teaching of science, while the second part discusses advanced technologies in the teaching of mathematics. Many `science papers' deal with important underlying mathematical concepts. Similarly, many `mathematics papers' address ways of thinking that are productive in doing science. A specific type of computer_based learning activity (microworld, micro_computer based laboratory, modelling tool, etc.) might be exploited in both `science papers' and `mathematics papers'.
The book consists of twenty_five major papers. Each paper uses concrete examples to demonstrate powerful applications of advanced technologies to the learning and teaching of mathematics and science. Some papers demonstrate the use of technology in teaching difficult but restricted concepts within a discipline. Other papers use an integrated approach that exploits the power of educational software throughout a course. The authors show how the effective use of advanced technologies is helping to redefine the aims of mathematics and science education.
Reference books: F84, F86, F89, F107, F109, F111