Jim Schultz* (USA), schultz@math.ohio-state.edu
High-Powered Technology in a Low-Level Mathematics Course

The presentation reflects on a special version of Consumer Math taught to
university students using ordinary calculators, then spreadsheets, then
symbolic manipulators (TI-92s). The presence of the technology provided an
opportunity to reconsider the goals and directions of the course. Outcomes
included the following: Paper-and-pencil skills were subordinated to skills
involving the use of the technology. Number and estimation sense played a more
significant role. The focus shifted from solving given equations to setting up
equations to model situations. More emphasis was placed on students' thinking,
less on routine computations. Students learned to think about and answer
non-routine questions. On account of the technology, useful applications were
more accessible. "Consumer math" was interpreted broadly to go beyond money
matters to include being mathematically literate citizens. All of this
contributed to the students valuing the course.