David A. Thomas

Position:

Professor of Mathematics Education
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
Email: dave@mathfs.math.montana.edu
Phone: (406) 994-5341
Fax: (406) 994-1789

Education:

Ed.D.   Montana State University 1983
Major:  Curriculum & Instruction 
Minor:  Mathematics

M.Ed.   Walla Walla College 1977
Major:  Curriculum & Instruction
Minor:  Mathematics

B.A.    Wayne State University 1968
Major:  Secondary Education
Area:   Mathematics

Experience:

1997 - Present 
Professor of Mathematics Education
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Montana State University

1991 - 1997 
Associate Professor of Mathematics Education
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Montana State University

1986-1991
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Montana State University

1983 - 1986
Assistant Professor of Education
Department of Education and Psychology
Walla Walla College

1968 - 1981
High school mathematics, physics, & electronics instructor

Refereed Articles, Proceedings Papers, and Posters:

• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1996). Network-Based K-12 Science Activities Integrating Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Supercomputing '96 Conference Proceedings. Pittsburgh, PA, 17-22 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. (in press). Developing and delivering a technology/ Internet-based mathematics education course. Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Reno, NV, 7-10 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. (1996). Internet-based Inservice Teacher Training in Montana. Proceedings of EI'96 Second International UNESCO Congress on Education and Informatics. Moscow, Russia, 1-5 July, 1996.
• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1996). Who will build the global schoolhouse? INET'96. Proceedings of the 1996 meeting of the Internet Society. Montral, CA, June 25-28, 1996.
• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1996). Network Montana. Technology and communications: Catalyst for educational change. Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Technology and Education, 85-87. New Orleans, LA, March 17-20, 1996.
• Stevenson, S. & Thomas, D. (1996). An introduction to image processing using NIH Image 1.58. Technology and communications: Catalyst for educational change. Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Technology and Education, 320-322. New Orleans, LA, March 17-20, 1996.
• Thomas, D., Johnson, K., & Stevenson, S. (1996). Integrated mathematics, science, and technology: An introduction to scientific visualization. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 15(3), 267-294.
• Thomas, D. (1995). Visualization and communication tools for mathematics and science teaching: A distance learning course from the National Teachers Enhancement Network. Poster session presented at Supercomputing '95. San Diego, CA.
• Thomas, D. (1995). Getting started with scientific CD-ROMs. Educational Technology Review, 4, 7-12.
• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1995). The Internet and K-12 mathematics and science reform. In Chon, K. (Ed.). INET'95. Proceedings of the 1995 meeting of the Internet Society, (365-373). Honolulu, HI, June 27-30, 1995.
• Thomas, D., Stevenson, S., & Taggart, R. (1995). Liberating the curriculum: Enhance learning with technology. CD-ROM Proceedings of the Florida educational technology conference. Orlando, FL, March 4-6, 1995.
• Thomas, D. (1995). Visualization: New window on science and mathematics. In Sechrest. T., Thomas, M., & Estes, N. (Eds.), Leadership for creating educational change: Integrating the power of technology. Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Technology in Education, (11-13). Orlando, FL, February 28 - March 3, 1995.
• Thomas, D. (1994). Visualization and communication tools for mathematics and science teaching. Poster session presented at Supercomputing '94. Washington, DC.
• Thomas, D. (1993). Visualization and communication tools for mathematics and science teaching. Poster session presented at Supercomputing '93. Portland, OR.
• Thomas, D. (1993). Discovering the power of postulates. Proceedings of the 7th conference on computer-assisted instruction. Taipei, Taiwan, May 26-27, 1993.
• Thomas, D. (1993). Visualization: New window on mathematics. Proceedings of the 7th conference on computer-assisted instruction. Taipei, Taiwan, May 26-27, 1993.
• Thomas, D. & Sabelli, N. (1993). Visualization in mathematics and science teaching. Rethinking the roles of technology in education: Proceedings of the tenth international conference on technology in education, (166-168). Cambridge, MA, March 21-24, 1993.
• Thomas, D. (1992). Using computer visualization to motivate and support mathematical dialogues. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 11(3/4), 265-274.
• Thomas, D. (1990). Turtle tessellations. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 9(4), 25-34.
• Thomas, D. (1990). Give meaning to matrices with MATLAB. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 9(3), 73-85.
• Thomas, D. (1989). Investigating fractal geometry using LOGO. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 8(3), 25-31. Reprinted in
• The Illinois Mathematics Teacher, 40(3) 21-29
• ATACC Journal, 8(1), 9-17.
• Thomas, D. (1989). Tessellations: A blend of art and mathematics. Virginia Mathematics Teacher, 15(3), 1-3.
• Thomas, D. (1989). Simulating professional practice in small groups. Contributed papers of the fifteenth international conference on improving university teaching (143-150). Vancouver, BC, June 12-15, 1989. Also published as
• Teachers, students, and small groups: A role for every student.
• The journal of professional studies, 12(3),15-19.
• Thomas, D. (1988). Reading and reasoning skills for problem solvers. Journal of reading, 32(3), 244-249. Selected for abstraction in
• Sociological Abstracts, Inc.
• Thomas, D., Andersen, L. & Allinger, G. (1988). Investigating volume with LogoWriter: Building a bigger box. The Computing Teacher, 15(5), 44-47, 61. Reprinted in
• Second annual conference issue of The Computing Teacher, 15-18, 32.
• Abstracted in Clime News, 2(2), 11.
• Abstracted in Clime Microworlds #1.
• Thomas, D. (1987). Computer graphics on the complex plane: An introduction to Julia sets and fractals. Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 7(1/2), 29-33, 93.
• Thomas, D. & Arnthorsdottir, H. (1986). The effect of cognitive training on second graders' mathematics achievement. Reading improvement, 23(3), 197-200.
• Thomas, D. (1984). Hi-Lo rating: A probability model for the field evaluation of teachers. Education, 106(1), 47-55.
• Thomas, D. (1984). Understanding the Central Limit Theorem. The Mathematics Teacher, 77(7), 542-543.
• Thomas, D. (1984). The effect of formative testing on student performance in freshman calculus. Contributed papers of the tenth international conference on improving university teaching (323-328). College Park, MD, July 4-7.

Books:

• Thomas, D. (Ed.). (1995). Scientific visualization in mathematics and science teaching. Charlottesville, VA: Association for the advancement of computing in education. ISBN 1-880094-09-6.
• Thomas, D. (1995). Math projects in the computer age. New York: Franklin-Watts. ISBN 0-531-11213-6.
• Thomas, D. (1992). Teenagers, teachers, & mathematics. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN 0-205-13194-8.
• Thomas, D. (1991). Children, teachers, & mathematics. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN 0-205-12681-2.
• Thomas, D. (1988). Math projects for young scientists. New York: Franklin-Watts. ISBN 0-531-10523-7 & ISBN 0-531-15133-6.
• Thomas, D. (1986). The math-computer connection. New York: Franklin-Watts. ISBN 0-531-10231-9.

Book Chapter:

• Thomas, D & Mitchell, M. (1995). Computer Visualization: New window on mathematics. In Thomas, D. (Ed.). Scientific visualization in mathematics and science teaching. Charlottesville, VA: Association for the advancement of computing in education. ISBN1-880094-09-6.

Other Publications:

• Thomas, D. & Hoveland, T. (1995). [Review of the software package Function Probe.] The Mathematics Teacher, 88(2), 149.
• Thomas, D. (1993). A culture for mathematics education. Notices of the American mathematical society, 40(6), 571-572.
• Thomas, D. (1992). [Review of the book Journey into Geometries.] The Mathematics Teacher, 85(8), 690.
• Thomas, D. (1992). [Review of the book Scientific visualization: Techniques and applications.] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 11(3/4), 421-422.
• Thomas, D. (1992). [Review of the book Spreadsheets in mathematics and science teaching.] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 11(3/4), 422-423.
• Thomas, D. (1992). [Review of the book Visualization in teaching and learning mathematics.] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 11(2), 253-254.
• Thomas, D. (1990). [Review of the book Mathematical elements for computer graphics, 2nd edition] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 10(1), 119-120.
• Thomas, D. (1990). [Review of the book The science of fractal images.] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 9(3).
• Thomas, D. (1989-90). [Review of the book Experiments in computational matrix algebra.] Journal of computers in mathematics and science teaching, 9(2).
• Thomas, D. (1993). Russian mathematical culture. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 36(2).
• Thomas, D. (1992). Counting my blessings. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 35(3).
• Thomas, D. (1992). 1992 Montana science talent search. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 35(2).
• Thomas, D. (1991). What's new? MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 35(1).
• Thomas, D. (1991). Beam me up, NCSA. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 34(3).
• Thomas, D. (1991). Financial aid for mathematics majors. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 34(2).
• Thomas, D. (1990). Cognitive systems engineering at Los Alamos National Laboratory. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 34(1).
• Thomas, D. (1990). 1990 Science Talent Search. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 34(1).
• Thomas, D. (1990). Intellectual capital: America's most important renewable resource. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 34(1).
• Thomas, D. (1990). Math projects in the 49th Westinghouse Science Talent Search. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 33(2).
• Thomas, D. (1990). Who will do mathematics? MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 33(2).
• Thomas, D. (1989). [Book review of the Science of Fractal Images.] MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 32(2).
• Thomas, D. & Esty, W. (1989). What's happening in mathematics? MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 33(1).
• Thomas, D. (1988). Montana Science Talent Search. MSU Mathematics Newsletter, 31(3).

Presentations:

• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1996). Network-based K-12 science activities integrating mathematics, science, and technology [workshop]. Supercomputing '96. Pittsburgh, PA, 17-22 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. Integration of computing and communications technologies in teacher preparation and professional development [panel]. Supercomputing '96. Pittsburgh, PA, 17-22 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. (1996). Developing and delivering a technology/Internet-based mathematics education course. Ninth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Reno, NV, 7-10 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. (1996) The future of distance learning [panel]. Ninth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Reno, NV, 7-10 November, 1996.
• Thomas, D. (1996). Internet-based Inservice Teacher Training in Montana. EI'96 Second International UNESCO Congress on Education and Informatics. Moscow, Russia, 1-5 July, 1996.
• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. (1996). Who will build the global schoolhouse? INET'96. 1996 meeting of the Internet Society. Montral, CA, June 25-28, 1996.
• Thomas, D. & Stevenson, S. Network Montana. Thirteenth International Conference on Technology and Education. New Orleans, LA, March 17-20, 1996.
• Stevenson, S. & Thomas, D. An introduction to image processing using NIH Image 1.58. Thirteenth International Conference on Technology and Education. New Orleans, LA, March 17-20, 1996.
• Image processing in mathematics and science education. Supercomputing '95. San Diego, CA, Dec 3-8, 1995.
• The Network Montana Project. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Missoula, MT, Oct 19-20, 1995.
• Scientific visualization: New window on mathematics. [Keynote presentation.] Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics 47th annual meeting and pre-conference. Springfield, IL, Oct 12-14, 1995.
• Linking geometry and linear algebra with technology. Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics 47th annual meeting and pre-conference. Springfield, IL, Oct 12-14, 1995.
• The Network Montana Project. Annual meeting of the Teachers of Teachers of Mathematics. Polson, MT, Sept 15-16, 1995.
• Introduction to image processing. Reach for the Sky workshop. Dillon, MT, July 28, 1995.
• Scientific visualization for teachers. STEP project summer institute. San Diego Supercomputing Center, University of California at San Diego, July 13-14, 1995.
• The Internet and K-12 mathematics and science reform. INET'95: The 1995 meeting of the Internet Society. Honolulu, HI, June 27-30, 1995.
• Internet-based educational applications development. [Panel] ISOC School Networking Colloquium. Honolulu, HI, June 26, 1995.
• Visualization: New window on mathematics and science. 73rd Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Boston, MA, April 6-9, 1995.
• Liberating the curriculum: Enhance learning with technology. [Panel] Florida educational technology conference. Orlando, FL, March 4-6, 1995.
• Visualization: New window on mathematics and science. 12th International Conference on Technology and Education. Orlando, FL, February 28 - March 3, 1995.
• Image processing in K-12 mathematics and science education. [Panel] International Conference on Technology and Education. Orlando, FL,February 28 - March 3, 1995.
• Scientific visualization in K-12 science and mathematics education. Metropolitan Mathematics Club of Chicago. Chicago, IL, January 12-13, 1995.
• Scientific visualization: From fractal geometry to the frontiers of science. Western regional meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Boise, ID. October 6-7, 1994.
• Scientific visualization in mathematics and science education. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Mendoza, Argentina. May 27, 1994.
• Workshop in scientific visualization. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. San Luis, Argentina. May 23-26, 1994.
• An introduction to mathematical visualization. 72nd Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Indianapolis, IN. April 13-17, 1994.
• Computational science workshop. Camden Middle School. Camden, NC. March 14-15, 1994.
• Scientific visualization: New window on mathematics. Western regional meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Billings, MT. Oct 21-22, 1993.
• Visualization: New window on mathematics. VisMath Project. California State University at Northridge. Northridge, CA. August 12, 1993.
• Discovering the power of postulates. 7th conference on computer-assisted instruction. Taipei, Taiwan, May 26-27, 1993.
• Visualization: New window on mathematics. 7th conference on computer-assisted instruction. Taipei, Taiwan, May 26-27, 1993.
• Fractal geometry for teachers. Tainan Teachers College. Tainan, Taiwan. May 25, 1993.
• An introduction to mathematical visualization. 71st Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Seattle, WA. March 31 - April 3, 1993.
• Visualization in mathematics and science teaching. Tenth international conference on technology in education. Cambridge, MA, March 21-24, 1993.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Helena, MT. Oct 14-15, 1992.
• Scientific Visualization: New tool for mathematics education. ICME-7. Quebec City, Canada. August 17-23, 1992.
• Scientific visualization software from NCSA. ICME-7. Quebec City, Canada. August 17-23, 1992.
• Fractal geometry workshop. California State University at Hayward. Hayward, CA. August 5-7, 1992.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. 70th Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Nashville, TN. April 1-4, 1992.
• Computer visualization in teaching and learning mathematics. Technology and teacher education conference. Houston, TX. March 12-15, 1992.
• Visualization software for science and mathematics. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Billings, MT 1991.
• The NCSA Scientific Visualization Software Suite. Center for Non-Linear Studies. Los Alamos National Laboratory. Los Alamos, NM. August 6, 1991.
• The Westinghouse and Montana Science Talent Searches. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Bozeman, MT. Oct 18-19, 1990.
• Assessment grids: Theory, technologies, applications. Cognitive Systems Engineering Group. Los Alamos National Laboratory. July 23, 1990.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. 68th Annual Meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Salt Lake City, UT. April 18-21, 1990.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. MIEA Conference. Helena, MT. March 19-20, 1990.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Great Falls, MT. March 19-20, 1990.
• Simulating professional practice in small groups. Fifteenth international conference on improving university teaching. Vancouver, BC. June 12-15, 1989.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. Western regional meeting of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Helena, MT. March 2-4, 1989.
• Research topics in mathematics education. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Helena, MT. Oct 20-21, 1988.
• An introduction to fractal geometry. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Helena, MT. Oct 20-21, 1988.
• Monitoring and managing teacher education generic standards in microcomputer database environment. Third annual program unit conference. Seattle, WA. January 12, 1987.
• From thinking skills to problem solving in mathematics: Teaching for transfer. Annual meeting of the Montana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Bozeman, MT. Oct 16-17, 1986.
• The effect of cognitive training on second graders' mathematics achievement. WERA research and evaluation conference. Tacoma, WA. May 2-3, 1985.
• Improving teacher education through research: Happenings at a small college. NWATE annual conference. Spokane, WA. April 11-12, 1985.
• The effect of formative testing on student performance in freshman calculus. Tenth international conference on improving university teaching. College Park, MD, July 4-7, 1984.
• The effect of formative testing, prescribed remediation, and retesting on student performance in freshman calculus. WERA research and evaluation conference. Seattle, WA. May 3-4, 1984.
• Introducing computers into your classroom. SAME microcomputer seminar. Walla Walla Community College. Walla Walla, WA. Nov 9, 1983.

Grants for research:

• Churchill, L. & Thomas, D. (1995). The network Montana project: Development of a rural networking infrastructure in support of systemic change in mathematics and science education. National Science Foundation , RED-9554251, $2.52M.
• Thomas, D. & Churchill, L. (1994). Development of a rural networking infrastructure in support of systemic change in mathematics and science education: The network Montana project one-year planning grant. National Science Foundation , RED-9454691, $105k.
• Lemen, J., Acton, L., Alexander, D., Thomas, D., Freeland, S. (1995). Public and educational access of Yohkoh data via the Internet. NASA CAN-0A94-1, $700k.
• Thomas, D. (1994). Introducing scientific visualization and Internet communications to Montana's mathematics and science teachers: A summer workshop and follow-up activities. NASA Montana Space Grant, $20k.
• Thomas, D. (1993). Opening a new window on mathematics and science: Development of a course on scientific visualization for Montana's mathematics and science teachers. NASA Montana Space Grant, $7k.
• Thomas, D. (1985) Walla Walla College Faculty Research Grant.

Grants for professional development:

• MSU sabbatical leave, autumn term 1993.
• AWU-DOE Faculty Fellowship. Cognitive Systems Engineering Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, summer 1991.
• AWU-DOE Faculty Fellowship. Cognitive Systems Engineering Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, summer 1990.
• Visiting Fellow, Science and Mathematics Education Centre, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, August 6 - September 17, 1987.
• Visiting Fellow, Southeast Asia Union College, Singapore, August - December, 1985.

Grants for travel to professional meetings:

• Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics 47th annual meeting and pre-conference. Springfield, IL, Oct 12-14, 1995.
• Invited speaker, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina, May 23-26, 1994 and Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, May 27, 1994.
• Building Consensus/Building Models Conference. Arlington, VA, October 28-29, 1993.
• Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, June 25, 1993.
• 7th Computer-Assisted Instruction Conference, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC, May 26-28, 1993.
• SuperQuest National Advisory Committee, Washington, DC, November 12, 1992.
• Tenth International Conference on Technology and Education, Cambridge, MA, March 21-24, 1993.
• SuperQuest National Advisory Committee, Washington, DC, December 16, 1991.
• SuperQuest National Advisory Committee, Washington, DC, June 10, 1991.
• National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Champaign, IL, March 20-24, 1991.
• Distance Learning Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, June 27-29, 1990.

Other Grants:

• Support for the Montana Science Talent Search
• $500 Skyland Scientific Services, 1992
• $2000 MSU Foundation, 1991
• $500 Skyland Scientific Services, 1991
• $2000 MSU Foundation, 1990
• $500 Skyland Scientific Services, 1990
• $2000 MSU for production of public service announcements
• $2000 MSU Foundation, 1989
• MONTS travel support for John Malone, 1991
• Supercomputing Grant, Boeing Computing Services, $750, 1988
• MSU Core Technologies Committee, $1300, 1987
• Microcomputer Software Grant, Career Publications, $3500, 1985
• Micro-Ed Software Grant, $10k, 1984

Professional Affiliations:

• Member, Association for the Advancement of Computers in Education
• Monograph editor
• Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching Editorial Board, 1992 - present
• Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching Book Review Editor, 1989-1992.
• Education Affiliate, National Center for Supercomputing Applications
• Member, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• Member, MSU Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon

MSU Service:

• University Promotion and Tenure committee, 1992-1995
• Accreditation Self-Study Committee, 1989-1990
• Director, Montana Science Talent Search, 1988-1993
• University Teacher Education Committee, 1986-1989
• Editor, Mathematics Enthusiast, 1987-1989
• Editor, MSU Mathematics Department Newsletter, 1986-1992
• Event captain, Science Olympiad, 1988 - 1995

21 Nov '96