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Since the start of course 5, three weeks ago, I have had a lot to think about in terms of using technology in math classes. During the first days of the course I was attending the Computer Based Mathematics Summit in London. Over 2 days, discussion panels covered many of the issues raised on how to truly integrate the use of tech tools into the math curriculum as described by the SAMR model and Tech Integration Matrix approaches to transforming learning using technology.

Much of the discussion at the summit revolved around how tech tools has made the teaching of mathematical algorithms such as factoring, solving equations and finding the derivative of a function either less important or unnecessary. Students with the latest iPhone can now use Siri to answer basic calculus questions and the Khan Academy has videos on the step by step process for any math skill I learned as a high school student. Dan Meyer recently wrote in his blog how textbook companies are missing the opportunities to transform how students use e-books to learn math. With his taco cart problem he points out how technology can help students with the process of abstraction that they need to use to turn a real world problem into a math problem. Using technology as an indispensable tool to help students learn problem solving skills that cannot be programmed into an iPhone should be the goal of any computer based math course.