The Fifth International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching (ICTMT 5)
will be held at the University of Klagenfurt; Aug 6-9, 2001.
It is the plan of the organizers, to structure the submitted more lecture type papers into strands which each have a renowned speaker as a leading "figure".
Moreover, to offer a plenty of discussion and group work, there will be a number of special groups and working groups organized.

Schedule and abstracts

For any enquiries relating to this strand, please do not hesitate to contact the chair. If your contribution should fit to this strand, please also contact the chair: J.Sharp@plymouth.ac.uk

The use of technology in developing mathematical modelling skills

Mathematical modelling is the application of mathematics to solve realistic problems. Many teachers are unhappy about working with problems where the answer is not defined as is often the case when really solving real problems. The students have to know which mathematics to apply and when. How can technology be used in this area of mathematics to make the teacher more confident to tackle an unknown problem with the students.

Issues raised are:

• How confident should the student be with the technology?
• Should you use the technology as a 'black box' to concentrate on the modelling aspects?
• Assessment issues when it appears that the technology has 'done' the mathematics - should we be assessing modelling skills instead?

True 'real' world problems are needed in order for the student to understand the need to use technology to solve an otherwise unsolveable problem.

Links to ICTMT4 papers on related topics:

• ICTMT 4 - Plymouth 99 (needs a java enabled browser)

If anyone has not received a copy of the ICTMT4 proceedings then please send me an email and I will get one to you: J.Sharp@plymouth.ac.uk

Schedule and abstracts