Using ICT in applications of secondary school mathematics

Apart from easing some of the computational burden, an attraction of ICT for mathematics education is that we may have new opportunities for pupils to learn and teachers to teach. This chapter describes some recent examples of technologies that seem likely to be appropriate for use in Singapore, and analyses some of their potential for mathematical applications and modelling, especially in probability and statistics. Particular attention is paid to hand-held calculators because they are the most likely to be affordable and available, especially when the constraints of examinations are taken into account. Additionally, some computer software with particular strengths is acknowledged: spreadsheets, which are likely to be widely available where computers are available; Fathom and Tinkerplots, innovative commercial software for statistics. The Internet offers considerable potential for mathematics education, despite relatively high costs of obtaining access to it, and seems likely to grow in significance in Singapore in the next several years. Some ways in which the Internet might support increased attention to applications and modelling are identified. The chapter concludes with recognition of the pervasive significance of professional development of teachers.