An investigation of the microcomputer as a mathematics teaching aid

Abstract

The first part of this study consists of a review of literature in order to discuss the use of microcomputers in education. In particular the work of Seymour Papert and the 'Investigating Teaching with the Microcomputer as an Aid (ITMA) team are discussed in detail. The second part deals with a case study carried out in the use of two ITMA produced software packages, designed as teaching aids for mathematics. The aim of this study is to establish whether using the microcomputer as a teaching aid in mathematics does actually lead to open-learning activities - mainly those identified as the 'missing' activities in the Cockcroft Report. The packages were used with a group of boys at St. Edwards College, Cospicua, Malta. Each lesson was recorded and transcriptions are being presented, providing evidence of the variety of roles arid facilitated by the use of the microcomputer.