Delta-K Volume 30 Issue 1

Journal of the Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association

Volume 30 Issue 1, October 1991

Upcoming issues of delta-K will be on three themes:

Manipulating and Activating Mathematics
Teaching Ideas
Continuity, Integration and Instruction in Mathematics

We have already received some submissions for the issue on Manipulating and Activating Mathematics, but more are always welcome! The Teaching Ideas issue will focus on good, interesting and innovative ways to address topics in mathematics. For this issue, we would like the articles to be brief descriptions of ready-to-use activities, and we need your help to produce this issue, so please start planning your contribution now! The third issue deals with attempts to integrate mathematics with other subjects, and attain continuity in instruction in mathematics. Thus, for this issue, we would really appreciate contributions from those educators who are currently employing techniques of, or researching topics in, continuity and integration.

This issue of delta-K focuses on Technology in the Classroom.

George Cathcart presents eight ways of using the computer in instruction, with Logo as the learning environment.
Marlow Ediger presents a philosophical overview of the uses of computers in mathematics, and offers suggestions on the choice of software.
Dale Burnett uses the Logo environment to bring “play” to problem solving.
Sol Sigurdson describes research into the use of calculators in test preparation, and the use of calculators by students during test writing.
Judy Barnes takes a qualitative look at how teachers and students feel about studying mathematics through computer-assisted instruction.
in the Problem Corner, John Percevault suggests that simply solving a particular problem does not necessarily involve students in the problem-solving process.
In the Teaching Ideas section, Craig Loewen introduces a computer program and problems that are useful in teaching motion geometry.
Finally, John Heuver comments on the new Mathematics 10 program. (The editors invite commentaries from other readers.)

It is an ambitious undertaking to publish regularly a journal such as delta-K, and we need your support and assistance if it is to continue and remain viable. delta-K, published according to the mandate of the Mathematics Council of The Alberta Teachers’ Association, is a forum in which Alberta educators share ideas and learn about recent developments in mathematics education in Alberta. We depend on our readers for their contributions, and we believe there are as many good ideas in Alberta as there are good teachers. Please take the time to contribute your ideas.

A. Craig Loewen & John B. Percevault

1 – 2

Front Matter

EDITORIAL

A. Craig Loewen & John B. Percevault

4 – 7

Eight Ideas for Using the Computer in Elementary Mathematics

W. George Cathcart

8 – 10

Philosophy, Computers and Mathematics

Marlow Ediger

11 – 15