comments on the research entitled technology integration in mathematics education

We do agree to the content pointed out in this research to a certain extent.

It is undeniable that the use of technology has somehow changed the learning atmosphere. Pupils become more interested as, for instance, the use of applets, provides fun activities and colourful images. Besides, it can encourage mathematical thinking such as critical and creative thinking skills. For instance, the use of Geometer's Sketchpad can promote pupils' CCTS as they can test their hypotheses on what they have assumed for a particular problem or situation given. They can experiment their assumptions by clicking and dragging lines to come up with the precise solution.

Despite the benefits brought by technology, it still won't bring about positive effect on pupils' learning when pupils don't even acquire the skills in using computer yet. So, it is not appropriate to ask pupils to write essays using Microsoft Words when they don't even know the functions provided in it. Furthermore, the use of technology is time consuming. A lot of time is taken to set up the technology in the classroom. Therefore, the teacher has taken away the time that should be used to complete the whole lesson. In addition, consideration in term of the physical setting of the classroom can sometimes becomes a major factor that hinder the technology from working effectively. For example, if there is suddenly no electricity, the teacher's plan for that day will be distracted. Another example is the lighting in the classroom. Sometimes, certain classrooms don't have suitable lighting, then it will not be visible for a projector or LCD to display the images on the screen.

All in all, technology brings advantages and also disadvantages. It's up to how we perceive the effectiveness of the integration of technology in mathematics learning. As teachers, we should equip ourselves with technological skills, and at the same time, be wise in balancing the use of technology resources with the typical and traditional materials so as to prepare for any possibilities that may arise during the teaching and learning process.