Auteur principal			Co-auteurs(s)
Nom :	Rae  Thiel		Nom :	Dr. Mara Alagic
Courriel :	raethiel@wcsks.com		Courriel :	mara.alagic@wichita.edu
Institution ou compagnie:	Wichita Collegiate School		Nom :
Département:	mathematics		Courriel :
Ville :	Wichita		Nom :
État/Province :	Kansas		Courriel :
Pays :	USA		Nom :
Type de présentation:	Conférence :  50 minutes.		Courriel :
Conférence et numéro :	Derive & TI-CAS  ,    Numéro : D25		Horaire :   Local :	samedi, 14h00   1520
Site Internet :
Titre de la communication :	TI-Based Learning Environments: Developing Conceptual Understandings of Functions-related Concept
Résumé de la communication :
The study occurred in three graphing calculators based Precalculus classes. Two intertwined aspects were considered. The first aspect dealt with enabling students to build a stronger conceptual understanding of functions and related concepts and the second was to study what conditions provide for a successful learning environment utilizing graphing calculators. The key factors identified and applied were: long-term exposure to ill-structured problems; writing about the concepts; the teacher answering questions with appropriate questions/prompts to provide for scaffolding; cooperative learning; and the teacher’s proficiency with graphing calculator. The students developed a deeper understanding of the concepts and they were more willing to attempt complex problems. Their communication skills improved. The study indicates that problem-based learning in a technology oriented environment provides appropriate conditions for developing critical thinking and communication skills. This paper reports on advantages and challenges encountered in (a) “covering curriculum” and (b) building students’ confidence in this technology-based learning environment.