COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF LEARNING MATHEMATICS AND USING COMPUTERS

Year 2016, Volume: 4 , 64 - 68, 01.09.2016

Tolga Gok

Abstract

Mathematics is
the key course to interpret the science and nature. A positive attitude should
be improved by learners to comprehend the logic of mathematics. However, most
of the research indicated that they were not interested in learning and
studying mathematics. Instead of understanding the basic principles, many
students preferred to use sophisticated software packages or graphing
calculators for solving mathematics problems. Thus, these tools prevent the
improvement of their mathematical skills. This study investigates students’
confidence when learning mathematics and using computers. Besides, the research
examines the effects of computers and graphing calculators in the learning of
mathematics on the students’ opinions. The study was conducted with 230
technical vocational school students. The data of the research was collected
using a survey of “Attitudes to Technology in Mathematics Learning
Questionnaire”. The results of the study indicated that many students were not
interested in learning and understanding the subjects while studying
mathematics on pen and paper. They preferred to solve mathematics problems with
the help of sophisticated mathematics software packages or graphing
calculators. Detailed results and recommendations based on the students’
confidence and perceptions are presented in the study.  

Keywords

Computer education, confidence, higher education, mathematics education

References

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