[In the pre-college years of school,] the prior [networked technologies-enhanced] treatment of algebra, graphical analysis, and dynamics will free new space in the precollege curriculum for a real mathematics sequence, where the goal is not applied mathematics but the exploration of mathematical reasoning for its own sake. This sequence will combine experimental axiomatic geometry and algebra with the formalism of calculus, all making extensive use of computer tools and network collaboration based on specialized interests.
Predictor: Tinker, Bob
Prediction, in context:In 1995, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology commissioned a series of white papers on various issues related to networking technologies. The department convened the authors for a workshop in November 1995 to discuss the implications. The following statement is taken from one of the white papers, “The Whole World in Their Hands,” by Bob Tinker, the president of Concord Consortium, he has a Ph.D. in physics from MIT and a reputation as a pioneer in constructivist uses of educational technology. Tinker writes:”[In the pre-college years of school,] the prior [networked technologies-enhanced] treatment of algebra, graphical analysis, and dynamics will free new space in the precollege curriculum for a real mathematics sequence, where the goal is not applied mathematics but the exploration of mathematical reasoning for its own sake. This sequence will combine experimental axiomatic geometry and algebra with the formalism of calculus, all making extensive use of computer tools and network collaboration based on specialized interests. Some learners will, for instance, join a hyperbolic geometry forum to share problems and proofs. There will also be an applied mathematics sequence that advances students’ ability to deal with computer-based numerical methods, statistics, multivariate data visualization, image analysis, and geographic information systems. Many of these topics will draw on real data from the network and from student investigations. In science, students will find support on the Net for increasingly sophisticated challenges. Many of these will require considerable background study, which will be provided as needed through a rich set of modularized, just-in-time units.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Getting, Sharing Information
Subtopic: E-learning
Name of publication: The Future of Networking Technologies for Learning
Title, headline, chapter name: The Whole World in Their Hands
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.ed.gov/Technology/Futures/
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney