1 Matlab as a Tool to Increase the Math Self-Confidence and the Math Ability of Freshmen Engineering Technology Students

I have been concerned with freshmen engineering technology students ’ apparent lack of ability to use non-calculus mathematics to solve real world problems such as those encountered in technology careers. I introduced Matlab, a computational software package, into my Introduction to Engineering Technology course to see if I could improve student learning. The students became proficient at using Matlab as a computer calculator but only a few students understood the subtleties of using Matlab as a more powerful tool that could be used to more easily solve complex problems and more accurately calculate the correct answer. I’ve concluded that more time should be spen