Technology and Calculus

Abstract

The use of computers-both desktop and handheld—has gradually changed the learning and teaching of calculus over the past decade, at least in textbooks. Calculus textbooks now routinely have graphing calculator exercises and many have computer-based exercises and projects. Few textbooks come without ancillary packages including computer test banks, computer laboratory manuals, multimedia CD-ROM-based learning aids, Web sites, and mathematical word processing software. How students learn and how professors teach calculus, however, has not changed much. Nor has much research been done on the effect these technology-related changes can have on student performance in mathematical contexts. This chapter will focus on what students and teachers might do differently in mastering calculus in a technology-rich environment and also what researchers could investigate to improve the learning and teaching environment where technology is readily available.