FLASHing mathematics into the young minds: Possibilities and limits of a web-based courseware

Abstract

A web-based courseware titled ¡¥Junior Secondary Mathematics in Life¡¦ was recently developed for the provision of educational support to students¡¦ self-learning of mathematics ¡V on five selected topics so far. As consultants to this government-funded project, the authors outline the background and the principles of design of the courseware. Drawing on their experiences in the design process, together with some preliminary findings out of questionnaire responses from students and teachers at the piloting stage, the authors attempt to examine the issues pertaining to (i) the notion of ¡¥self-learning¡¦ possibly enhanced by Internet technologies; (ii) the interactive and exploratory learning opportunities such as games that are believed to be conducive to the construction of mathematical concepts; (iii) the use of real-life contexts in the instructional design for mathematics. Situated in these years of technological boom in educational provision, especially in the Asian countries/regions, the discussion on these issues highlights the tension between the prevailing textbook-centred approach to mathematics learning and teaching on the one hand and the various opportunities promised but not as yet fully materialized by computer technologies on the other. Suggestions of further research and development are also made.