International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Volume 1, Number 2, 2007
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Abstract
Cognitive Computer Tools in the Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Calculus
The purpose of this study was to explore the use of a cognitive computer tool by undergraduate calculus students as they worked cooperatively on mathematical tasks. Specific attention was given to levels of cognitive demand in which the students were engaged as they completed in-class labs with the assistance of MathCAD. Participants were assigned to eight heterogeneous working groups consisting of four students each. One group was chosen as the focus of the case study. Data included student questionnaires, individual interviews, assignments, audio transcriptions of student discussions, and video recordings. Open and axial coding was used to analyze the data. Participants believed that the use of MathCAD allowed them to explore mathematics, spend more time on interpreting results, and focus on understanding. The cognitive computer tool reduced the reliance on low-level thinking skills and allowed for creativity in problem solving, permitting students to move toward high levels of thinking.
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Nathan Borchelt
Clayton State University
Morrow, Georgia, USA
NathanBorchelt@clayton.edu
I received a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Newberry College, a M.S.T. in Mathematics from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Mathematics Education from Georgia State University. I am currently an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia where I have been employed since 1996. While my teaching responsibilities have primarily consisted of undergraduate service courses, I also teach upper division content courses for pre-service teachers. I am currently involved with a grant for enhancing content knowledge of local middle-grades in-service teachers. My scholarly interests are focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning, especially with respect to the role of technology in mathematics education at all grade levels.