A Computer Laboratory for Mathematics Instruction

数学与统计系正在加强数学本科课程，为学生提供解决复杂和现实问题所需的技术工具。师资力量集中于五门关键课程：多元微积分、线性代数、数理统计、数值分析和数学本科研究项目。这些课程使用Maple、MATLAB和SPSS，目的是帮助学生培养对数学思想的强大概念理解，在有意义和复杂的环境中应用数学思想的能力，以及口头和书面清晰地交流数学思想的能力。这个项目是建立一个专门用于数学和统计教学的计算机教室。教室由20台电脑组成，这些电脑联网到一台服务器上，并连接到万维网。这一设施的增加使技术密集型数学课程的实施成为可能。该系以前曾使用计算机设备来试验多元微积分，线性代数和数值分析的部分。本课程是根据教师在计算机实验室的基础统计学教学经验而设计的。该系一半的数学专业学生准备成为中学数学教师。该计划以两种直接方式影响这些学生：(a)通过增加对现代技术的重视，未来教师的数学和技术技能正在提高；(b)通过积极地让学生参与自己的学习，未来教师正在准备实施NCTM标准，强调在整个课程中适当使用技术。

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is strengthening the undergraduate program in mathematics by providing students with the technological tools necessary to solve complex and realistic problems. Faculty efforts focus on five key courses: multivariate calculus, linear algebra, mathematical statistics, numerical analysis, and the undergraduate research project in mathematics. These courses are using Maple, MATLAB, and SPSS with the goal of helping students to develop a qtrong conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas, the ability to apply mathematical ideas in meaningful and complex contexts, and the ability to clearly communicate mathematical ideas orally and in writing. This project is establishing a computer classroom dedicated solely to mathematics and statistics instruction. The classroom consists of 20 computers networked to a server and connected to the World Wide Web. The addition of this facility is making possible the implementation of a technology-intensive mathematics program. The department has previously used the computer facilities to pilot sections of multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and numerical analysis. The revised mathematical statistics course is drawing from faculty experiences teaching elementary statistics in a computer laboratory. Half of the mathematics majors in the department are preparing to become secondary mathematics teachers. The program impacts these students in two direct ways: (a) by increasing the emphasis on modern technology, the mathematical and technical skills of future teachers are improving and (b) by actively involving students in their own learning, the future teachers are preparing the implement NCTM standards that emphasize appropriate use of technology throughout the curriculum.