TIME-2004
Symposium		      Keynote Presenter
Name : Dr. Helmut Heugl
E-mail: contact him    (hheugl@aon.at)
Institution or
Company:		 Vienna University of Technology
Department: Institute of Discrete Mathematics
City: Stockerau
Country: Austria
Schedule:
 
Room:		 Thursday, 8h30-10h00
 
1160
Title of
presentation:		 The influence of technology in several roles of mathematics
Abstract:

Studying the history of mathematics you can recognize that tools have always fundamentally influenced the development of mathematics. The computer, a child of mathematical thinking, has changed the several roles of mathematics as well as the ways of teaching and learning mathematics.

In my lecture I will formulate my thesis concerning the influence of technology by using four roles which mathematics can have:

      Ø Mathematics - the technique of problem solving by reasoning
      Ø Mathematics - a "two phase" process: the abstract phase and the concrete phase
      Ø Mathematics - a language
      Ø Mathematics - a thinking technology

Using these four roles of mathematics I will give concrete examples for some of the changes caused by the use of technology:

      -   A more pupil centred, experimental way of learning with a shift of emphasis from operating to modelling and interpreting.
      -   Technology supports both phases of mathematical activity - the abstract and the concrete phase.
      -   The use of technology allows the students to create new language elements.
      -   The use of technology not only supports cognition - it becomes part of cognition.