Technology and the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum ~ Math 655

Western Illinois University

Summer 2006

This course is primarily an online course with two face-to-face (all day) meetings on the W.I.U. Macomb campus. If you are interested in this course, e-mail Jim Olsen.

Note: We are planning to teach this course in the summer of 2006. This is tentative. As of January 2006, the paperwork for approval and funding has not been completed.

Course Description

Strategies for using technology such as calculators, computers, and Internet resources for teaching algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics in the secondary mathematics curriculum, including research on the use of technology for mathematics teaching and learning.

This course will focus on technology resources to enhance student understanding. An emphasis will be put on keeping software costs low for schools. Software utilized in this course will be a) available free on the Internet, b) part of Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) which most schools have, c) Geometer's Sketchpad. We will also use a graphics calculator.

Topics to be covered in Math 655 include:

Course title: Technology and the Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum
Course number*: Math 655
STAR Number: 16073
Semester: Summer 2006. May 22 through July 13, 2006.
Method of delivery: "Hybrid" - On-line over the Internet (WebCT will be used), with two required, face-to-face meetings on June 13 (Tues., 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and July 13 (Thurs. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
Credit hours: 3 SH
Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor. (Call me (Dr. Jim Olsen) 309/298-2317 and or e-mail me (jr-olsen@wiu.edu) to get permission.)
Intended audience:  This course is intended for practicing (or prospective) mathematics teachers seeking professional development or CPDU credit, and students seeking the Masters in Mathematics with a focus in Mathematics Teaching.
Textbook: Geometer's Sketchpad Student Edition (which includes Sketchpad software on Windows®/Macintosh® CD-ROM, Learning Guide book, and 101 Project Ideas for The Geometer's Sketchpad book) and a USB Flash Drive (also known as "USB hard drive" or "thumb drive") with at least 128 MB of space (if you already have one with space remaining on it, you need not purchase a new one).
Required Software and Calculator: You also need a graphics calculator (e.g., TI-83 or 84, but other models or brands will work). Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), which most schools have.
Instructor: James Olsen. Information about JimJim Olsen's homepage
Instructor's Phone: 309/298-2317

*This course is now properly numbered at Math 655. For a period of time we had it numbered Math 599 "SPECIAL TOPICS."


Online Q & A - Answers to the following Questions: <<<click the link

What Do You Do in an Online Course?

Is There a Specific Class Meeting Time?

How Is this Different from an Independent Study?

Will I Have Contact With the Professor?

How does a typical weekly class discussion go?

Is this Easier than a Regular Face-to-face Class?

How Long Does the Class Run?

Am I Ready for an Online Course? (Assessing my ability to succeed online)

What are Some Keys to being Successful?

What Kind of Computer and Software Do I Need?

How Much Does it Cost?

What If I'm Out of Town for a Baseball Tournament or Trip to Arizona?

What If I Have Other Questions?


How to Apply, Register, Get the Book, and Gain On-Line Access <<<click the link

Note: that you need "permission of instructor" to enroll, so please e-mail me if you'd like to enroll in this course.

If you wish to stay overnight for either of the two face-to-face (all day) meetings you can find lodging at


Special Note About this Page

This page is here to provide information about the course to prospective students.  This is not the actual course website. Once the course begins, those enrolled will be provided with a URL to a WebCT site (in a password protected environment).
Your ECOM account is how you gain access to the materials for this course.
You need to know your username and password (do not forget these!).
You must activate an ECOM account before you can use it.  Click here to find out about your WIU ECOM username and password and activating your account (it's not hard). If you need assistance, call the University Computer Support Services Helpdesk at (309) 298-2704. (If you have one, your ECOM username is printed on your temporary WIU ID card and your initial password is the MONTH and DAY of birth (mmdd).)


Back to Jim Olsen's homepage
URL of this page: http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfjro1/wiu/tea/m655/basics.htm
James R. Olsen, Western Illinois University
E-mail: jr-olsen@wiu.edu
updated: May 10, 2006