Choosing and using technology for secondary mathematical modelling tasks: Choosing the right peg for the right hole

This paper investigates students' preferences in relation to a variety of technologies in a classroom environment where the use of computer and/or graphing calculator technology is strongly encouraged and the teaching/learning program is rich in applicable mathematics. The choices made by students in relation to the appropriateness of a particular technology for specific mathematical tasks are investigated. Factors such as familiarity with a device, available features and display type were identified as well as an indication that students did not distinguish between applications and other types of mathematical tasks when making choices about the appropriateness of a technology.