Technology also provides a focus as students discuss with one another and with their teacher the objects on the screen and the effects of the various dynamic transformations that technology allows. Technology offers teachers options for adapting instruction to special student needs. Students who are easily distracted may focus more intently on computer tasks, and those who have organizational difficulties may benefit from the constraints imposed by a computer environment. Students who have trouble with basic procedures can develop and demonstrate other mathematical understandings, which in turn can eventually help them learn the procedures. The possibilities for engaging students with physical challenges in mathematics are dramatically increased with special technologies.
Technology supports effective mathematics teaching.
The effective use of technology in the mathematics classroom depends on the teacher. Technology is not a panacea. As with any teaching tool, it can be used well or poorly. For example, teachers can use simulations to give students experience with problem situations that are difficult to create without technology, or they can use data and resources from the Internet and the World Wide Web to design student tasks. Spreadsheets, dynamic geometry software, and computer microworlds are also useful tools for posing worthwhile problems.