Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) have been changing the mathematics instruction requirements for many years. Since the tendency of using CAS in mathematics instruction has been rising for decades and reports have often been positive, the implementation of notebook classes seems to be the consequent next step of mathematics instruction supported by computers. Experiences that have been made with the use of CAS in PC-rooms can be transformed directly into the classroom. Hence the use of CAS is no longer limited to certain rooms. The permanent availability of the notebook with installed CAS offers the chance to realize these concepts that have already been approved with the use of CAS so far. The following speech shall show what these concepts could look like and that the use of notebooks is not only the further development of teaching in PC-classes. Examples from personal experience in teaching will especially show meanders and thought-provoking impulses in order to support teachers finding their way into teaching mathematics instruction in notebook classes successfully. Please allow me to point out two things in the beginning: (1) Yes, I am a vehement supporter of the use of notebooks (and the use of CAS in particular) in mathematics instruction. (2) No, I do not believe that teachers who have chosen another path (or at least partly) are teaching badly.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of educational software contributed to increasing the academic performance of 6th-grade students in mathematics. The specific programs used were the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Explorer and Promethean ActivBoard. This summative quantitative study was guided by 3 research questions: 1. What was the effect of technology, specifically the Promethean ActivBoard and the FCAT Explorer, on the achievement in mathematics of 6th-grade students, as measured by district benchmark assessments? 2. What was the difference in mathematics achievement, if any, between male and female 6th-grade students following the use of technology, specifically the Promethean ActivBoard and the FCAT Explorer, as measured by district benchmark assessments? 3. What was the effect of technology, specifically the Promethean ActivBoard and the FCAT Explorer, on the achievement in mathematics of African American 6th-grade students, as measured by district benchmark assessments? Participants were 6th-grade teachers and students in the experimental and control groups. Participants were 59 students in the experimental group and 61 in the control group. Students who used FCAT Explorer and the Promethean ActivBoard showed better scores on a posttest and larger percentage increase in scores than the control group. Male students in the experimental group showed the greatest increase in scores. African American students who also used FCAT Explorer and the Promethean ActivBoard scored higher than those African American students who did not use any form of technology as a supplement to learning.

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