Use of software in school mathematics
Different types of software are used in math classes:
- Educational software that is more likely to serve diagnostic purposes
- Learning software that usually makes the learning content available in a multimedia format
- Mathematical software that is more like a tool
Types of math software
The mathematical software with the character of a tool can be divided into the following groups:
- Dynamic geometry (DGS), for interactive and dynamic operation with geometric objects
- Computer algebra systems (CAS), for the exact calculation of complex algebraic or analytical expressions
- Spreadsheet (TK), for tabular processing of numerical data
These basic software types are also available for computers in the form of so-called graphical pocket calculators . In addition to the software types mentioned, there are also more specialized systems, which, however, have only found limited use. These include B. Dynasys dynamic modeling systems or logo .
Recent developments
While these three basic applications were implemented in individual programs in the past, newer approaches show an increasing integration of these applications in one program. Examples for this are:
- DGS & CAS & TK: TI-Nspire CAS , GeoGebra
Significance for lessons and exams
Arithmetic tools have always been part of math and math lessons. The slide rule was completely replaced by the pocket calculator years ago . Current curricula generally require students to use the math tools mentioned in class. It is expected that the understanding of the term will be expanded and that routine tasks will be relieved in favor of higher-quality qualifications such as modeling. In exam situations, especially in centrally placed final exams ( central high school diploma ), it is necessary that each student has their own arithmetic aid available. Taken together, both of these have led to the widespread use of graphical pocket calculators in recent years .