M.Ed. / The objective of this study was to explore the possibilities of applying and using the computer in the Mathematics classroom. The effectiveness of the various possibilities of this application was of particular importance, as the main motivation for the use of the computer as educational aid in the Mathematics classroom was to promote learning effectively and to transform learners from passive to active participators in the learning environment. A literary study was assigned to a broad discussion of three learning theorems. The behaviourist, information processing and constructivist learning theories were weighed up against one another. The distinguishing characteristics of each one, as well as implications thereof on the effective learning of Mathematics, were analysed. The nature of mathematical knowledge serves ultimately as criteria for effective learning. A list of criteria and guidelines, which the learning situation had to meet, in order to promote effective learning in Mathematics, was presented before the computer could be considered as an alternative teaching strategy. In the course of the study, there was regular reference to the computer as a tutor. Varius advantages and disadantages of computer aided instruction (CAI) in the Mathematics classroom were discussed thoroughly. Four types of CAI approaches were seen as alternatives to traditional teaching methods. Each of these approaches was weighed up against the suggested/recommended list of criteria which the learning situation should meet in order to promote effective learning. As an alternative to these approaches, the possibilities of application software were considered. This study focused particularly on the possibilities of the use of spreadsheets in the Mathematics classroom. Various advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of spreadsheets in the Mathematics classroom were discussed thoroughly. During an empirical study, a lesson unit, implementing spreadsheets as teaching aid, was put to the test and its value assessed. The success of this lesson unit was evaluated according to a West. In conclusion, it can be assumed that constructivist learning theory principles served as a foundation for this study which effectively promoted learning. The learners were constructively active, on the computer, and were guided in their construction of knowledge with the assistance of inductive questions and observation of the spreadsheet generated graphs. In a group situation, the learners supported one another and the teacher acted merely as facilitator. By using spreadsheets in the Mathematics classroom as an alternative to the traditional CAI material, learning could be effectively promoted as the progression of lesson aspects and phases depended on the foundation of constructivism.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:2744 |
| Date | 20 August 2012 |
| Creators | Oosthuizen, Sophia Gertruida |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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