Encouraging the use of Technology in Problem-solving: Some Examples from an Initial Teacher Education Programme

As part of a module on mathematical problem solving in an Initial Teacher Education programme, the student teachers are encouraged to produce alternative solutions to the problems they tackle and, in particular, to consider whether ICT can help. In this paper we discuss a number of unusual solutions produced for some of the problems, specifically using Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS). These examples illustrate distinct functions of DGS in problem solving which we describe as follows: (i) DGS opening up new perspectives, (ii) DGS as explanation and insight, (iii) DGS highlighting the nature of exact and approximate methods, (iv) DGS as illustration and generalisation. However, underlying these different functions there is an important common feature, namely the re-formulation of problems in an ICT environment.