As a tool in mathematics classrooms, the computer helps students understand abstract concepts by making them visual and manipulable. Students can own complex ideas by manipulating algebraic formulae and constructing geometric figures. They can study phenomena, not merely techniques.
Students can do mathematics and be engaged in creative problem solving.
Technology-rich curricula reduce the time students routinely devote to practicing skills and manipulating symbols out of context. Students who use computers in math have more positive attitudes about themselves as mathematicians and about math in general, and show significant gains in problem-solving ability and content knowledge. 1 Computer software that encourages student exploration supports instruction that increases students' understanding of mathematics principles. 3 Students using computers for algebra did significantly better on a test of knowledge than did a group taught by traditional methods. The computer group also retained more of the information and scored significantly higher on measures of transfer to other areas of mathematics.