CAS and the Instruction of Mathematics: Where are we Today? - A Forum

Moderator: Bill Pletsch
           Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Forum Participants: Alkiviadis G. Akritas, Michel Beaudin, Robert H. Lewis,
                    Eugenio Roanes-Lozano

From Dr. Michael Wester's book Computer Algebra Systems, A Practical Guide in
the chapter 'Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education', is taken the excerpt:

The well constructed computer algebra system is a form of art.  They can add to
the beauty of mathematics and mathematics instruction.  Computer algebra may
indeed be a work of art, but it is not always the educational tool we would
like it to be.  The fact is computer algebra has not yet lived up to its
promise in the field of mathematics education.

These words, though written in 1999, ring true to this very day.  Why?

The fact is there is some evidence the advances up to 1999 are being rolled
back.  Things seem to be almost in retrograde.  The forces of reaction are
reversing what few advances were made.

And yet surely this perception will eventually be proven wrong.  Surely the
sheer forces unleashed by the leap in problem solving capability will force the
issue forever in favor of computer algebra.

A number of questions will be constructed with their design intended to shed
light on these perplexing issues.  The panel of experts will be asked to
respond, ask questions of their own, and take questions from the audience.  The
forum will be directed so as to maximize the flow of discussion and ensure a
lively debate.