Abstract:

This article reports on a research project on the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) for pupils’ personal use in a secondary school mathematics classroom in England. The project involved using Grid Algebra software on computers. The classroom was organised such that there was space for whole-class interaction and discussion, while the computers were networked so that the software could be shared, supporting collaborative learning. The Grid Algebra software was developed to help pupils learn operations, and algebraic structure, in a visual and kinaesthetic manner. It can also be used to explore all the sub-topics of formal algebra. This article argues that the pupils’ access to the ICT tools within the classroom environment was vital in supporting, and enhancing, their mathematical development. The outcomes of this project reveal the transformative potential of this technology for the mathematics classroom, whilst in the educational setting, in terms of the learners’ development of mathematical thinking, motivation and levels of engagement.

Keywords:

Algebra, Computers, Classroom management, Interaction, Educational Technology.