We use a combination of tools. Some tools, often Java applets, are like microwave dinners -- easy to work with, they don't distract students from the task at hand, but they are closed-ended and don't allow room for students' creativity. Other tools, like computer algrebra systems require more work but they allow students more flexibility and they help students build skills with general purpose tools that can be used elsewhere.
Copyright c 1996 by
Frank Wattenberg, Department of Mathematics, Montana State University,
Bozeman, MT 59717
