Introducing IT in Mathematics Education: Prospects for Curriculum Revision and Teacher Training

ICT has been present in the school for years, nevertheless its impact on mathematics education has so far been rather limited. Based on a wide analysis of the literature, this paper discusses the reasons for this delay, considering the potential benefits of integrating ICT in maths education, and the prospect for curriculum revision and teacher training. The paper points out that ICT tools are useful, but what really matters is a suitable teaching strategy. In order to exploit the potentialities of ICT, it is necessary to adopt an adequate teaching approach, based on problem solving, a wise use of representations, shared reflections and discussions with the students, and a careful understanding of conceptions of both teachers and learners. This entails revising the current teaching practice. The need to support teachers in this task, and the rapidly changing context of technology, underline the need for continuous teacher training.