Number 1, November 1996.

Educational issues in Computer Algebra

The International Council for Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education (CAME)

Anthony Watkins

School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Plymouth
Plymouth PL4 8AA (United Kingdom)
Email: A.J.Watkins@plymouth.ac.uk

This Council was refounded in July 1996 at the 8th International Conference on Mathematics Education (ICME8) in Seville. It consists of 11 Council Officers and some sixty members representing Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel, South Africa and Australia. The President of CAME is Anthony (Tony) Watkins from the School of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. He can be contacted at the e- mail address ajwatkins@plymouth.ac.uk, by fax on +44 1752 232780, or by phone on +44 1752 232731.

CAME is an open organisation for those interested in the use of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education and is committed to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics. Its goals are:

to facilitate the dissemination and exchange of information on research and development in the use of computer algebra in mathematics education.
to facilitate access to international expertise in the use of computer algebra in mathematics education.
to promote the study of the use of computer algebra in mathematics education.

A Web Page for CAME is in production.

Call for contributions to IJCAME

From January 1997 the International Journal for Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education (IJCAME) will be launched as a successor to the International DERIVE Journal. The new Journal will have a much broader emphasis and the Editorial Board are keen to encourage papers on the use of any Computer Algebra package as well as those that relate to more general issues. Articles on the use of DERIVE will of course still be welcomed. The first issue under the new title will be a special issue that reports on the impact of the TI-92 hand held symbolic manipulator.

The aims and scope of the Journal have been revised to reflect the new title as may be seen later in this message.

The Editorial Board will play a key role in ensuring that the Journal earns international respect and is seen as a quality publication.

Information about the Journal may be obtained directly from:

Karen Eccles
e-mail		keccles@plymouth.ac.uk
Fax/Phone	+44 1752 232772

Aims and Scope of the International Journal of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education (IJCAME)

The Journal is pleased to publish contributions on any aspect of the use of Computer Algebra in education and training likely to be of interest to readers. The main criterion of acceptance is that the material should make a contribution to knowledge in this field. There are four types of contribution considered for publication in the International Journal of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education. These are research papers, teaching issues, problem solving applications, opinions and activities for class use.

Research Papers

Articles describing significant research should identify clearly the significance and outcomes of the work together with the research method. Areas for publication of research are likely to include:

the influence of Computer Algebra on the teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels.
theoretical reflections on the role of Computer Algebra in education.
experiments in the use of the technology in teaching and learning.
teaching methodology using Computer Algebra Systems.
the use of Computer Algebra in mathematics research.
comparisons of different Computer Algebra Systems.

Teaching Issues

The need for communication between Computer Algebra users will be encouraged and reports of significant innovations will be welcome. Readers are invited to submit articles on the following

different and innovative ways in which Computer Algebra can be used in teaching and learning.
integration of Computer Algebra System into the teaching of mathematics.
visualisation of mathematics concepts using Computer Algebra Systems.
discussion of the philosophy of using Computer Algebra as an educational tool.
reports on new learning resources and workshop materials.

Problems Solving Applications

Computer algebra systems are a powerful tool for solving problems in commerce, industry and research. Readers are invited to submit articles which illustrate the use of Computer Algebra in modelling, problem solving, investigations and case studies. Authors should ensure that the problem situation and underlying theory are adequately explained for the general audience.

Opinions and Activities

Opinions are shorter, hopefully contentious, contributions providing the opportunity for debate, through the Journal, on issues relating to the use of Computer Algebra Systems in the classroom.

Contributions to the Journal should be mailed to:

Dr E Graham
Centre for Teaching Mathematics
University of Plymouth
Plymouth
PL4 8AA

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