A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF ICTS IN LEARNING ALGEBRA

This paper focuses on a systematic review of studies on how different ICT tools can be used to develop understanding of functions. ICT tools included the use of different software (e.g. spreadsheets and graph plotting software) and different hardware (e.g graphics calculators, computers used by pupils and computers used by teachers with the whole class). There was evidence of gains in understanding in particular aspects of functions, evidence of some difficulties in interpreting screen displays, and evidence of productive ways of working. BACKGROUND The third systematic review conducted by the Mathematics Education Review group coordinated by the authors at the University of York was commissioned by the government’s Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and managed through the Evidence Informed Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI) at the Institute of Education, University of London ( see www.eppi.ioe.ac.uk for other reviews). The TDA were interested under what conditions ICT could be used to develo