Ebook: The SimCalc Vision and Contributions: Democratizing Access to Important Mathematics

This volume provides essential guidance for transforming mathematics learning in schools through the use of innovative technology, pedagogy, and curriculum. It presents clear, rigorous evidence of the impact technology can have in improving students learning of important yet complex mathematical concepts -- and goes beyond a focus on technology alone to clearly explain how teacher professional development, pedagogy, curriculum, and student participation and identity each play an essential role in transforming mathematics classrooms with technology. Further, evidence of effectiveness is complemented by insightful case studies of how key factors lead to enhancing learning, including the contributions of design research, classroom discourse, and meaningful assessment.

The volume organizes over 15 years of sustained research by multiple investigators in different states and countries who together developed an approach called "SimCalc" that radically transforms how Algebra and Calculus are taught.
The SimCalc program engages students around simulated motions, such as races on a soccer field, and builds understanding using visual representations such as graphs, and familiar representations such as stories to help students to develop meaning for more abstract mathematical symbols. Further, the SimCalc program leverages classroom wireless networks to increase participation by all students in doing, talking about, and reflecting on mathematics. Unlike many technology programs, SimCalc research shows the benefits of balanced attention to curriculum, pedagogy, teacher professional development, assessment and technology -- and has proven effectiveness results at the scale of hundreds of schools and classrooms.

Combining the findings of multiple investigators in one accessible volume reveals the depth and breadth of the research program, and engages readers interested in:

* Engaging students in deeply learning the important concepts in mathematics
* Designing innovative curriculum, software, and professional development
· Effective uses of technology to improve mathematics education
* Creating integrated systems of teaching that transform mathematics classrooms
* Scaling up new pedagogies to hundreds of schools and classrooms
* Conducting research that really matters for the future of mathematics learning

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* Engaging students in deeply learning the important concepts in mathematics
* Designing innovative curriculum, software, and professional development
· Effective uses of technology to improve mathematics education
* Creating integrated systems of teaching that transform mathematics classrooms
* Scaling up new pedagogies to hundreds of schools and classrooms
* Conducting research that really matters for the future of mathematics learning

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This volume provides essential guidance for transforming mathematics learning in schools through the use of innovative technology, pedagogy, and curriculum. It presents clear, rigorous evidence of the impact technology can have in improving students learning of important yet complex mathematical concepts -- and goes beyond a focus on technology alone to clearly explain how teacher professional development, pedagogy, curriculum, and student participation and identity each play an essential role in transforming mathematics classrooms with technology. Further, evidence of effectiveness is complemented by insightful case studies of how key factors lead to enhancing learning, including the contributions of design research, classroom discourse, and meaningful assessment.

The volume organizes over 15 years of sustained research by multiple investigators in different states and countries who together developed an approach called "SimCalc" that radical transforms how Algebra and Calculus are taught.
The SimCalc program engages students around simulated motions, such as races on a soccer field, and builds understanding using visual representations such as graphs, and familiar representations such as stories to help students to develop meaning for more abstract mathematical symbols. Further, the SimCalc program leverages classroom wireless networks to increase participation by all students in doing, talking about, and reflecting on mathematics. Unlike many technology programs, SimCalc research shows the benefits of balanced attention to curriculum, pedagogy, teacher professional development, assessment and technology -- and has proven effectiveness results at the scale of hundreds of schools and classrooms.

Combining the findings of multiple investigators in one accessible volume reveals the depth and breadth of the research program, and engages readers interested in:

* Engaging students in deeply learning the important concepts in mathematics
* Designing innovative curriculum, software, and professional development
· Effective uses of technology to improve mathematics education
* Creating integrated systems of teaching that transform mathematics classrooms
* Scaling up new pedagogies to hundreds of schools and classrooms
* Conducting research that really matters for the future of mathematics learning

---

This volume provides essential guidance for transforming mathematics learning in schools through the use of innovative technology, pedagogy, and curriculum. It presents clear, rigorous evidence of the impact technology can have in improving students learning of important yet complex mathematical concepts -- and goes beyond a focus on technology alone to clearly explain how teacher professional development, pedagogy, curriculum, and student participation and identity each play an essential role in transforming mathematics classrooms with technology. Further, evidence of effectiveness is complemented by insightful case studies of how key factors lead to enhancing learning, including the contributions of design research, classroom discourse, and meaningful assessment.

The volume organizes over 15 years of sustained research by multiple investigators in different states and countries who together developed an approach called "SimCalc" that radical transforms how Algebra and Calculus are taught.
The SimCalc program engages students around simulated motions, such as races on a soccer field, and builds understanding using visual representations such as graphs, and familiar representations such as stories to help students to develop meaning for more abstract mathematical symbols. Further, the SimCalc program leverages classroom wireless networks to increase participation by all students in doing, talking about, and reflecting on mathematics. Unlike many technology programs, SimCalc research shows the benefits of balanced attention to curriculum, pedagogy, teacher professional development, assessment and technology -- and has proven effectiveness results at the scale of hundreds of schools and classrooms.

Combining the findings of multiple investigators in one accessible volume reveals the depth and breadth of the research program, and engages readers interested in:

* Engaging students in deeply learning the important concepts in mathematics
* Designing innovative curriculum, software, and professional development
· Effective uses of technology to improve mathematics education
* Creating integrated systems of teaching that transform mathematics classrooms
* Scaling up new pedagogies to hundreds of schools and classrooms
* Conducting research that really matters for the future of mathematics learning

Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-XI
Front Matter....Pages 1-3
Introduction: Major Themes, Technologies, and Timeline....Pages 5-11
The Mathematics of Change and Variation from a Millennial Perspective: New Content, New Context....Pages 13-26
From Static to Dynamic Mathematics: Historical and Representational Perspectives....Pages 27-45
Intersecting Representation and Communication Infrastructures....Pages 47-62
Front Matter....Pages 63-63
Reflections on Significant Developments in Designing SimCalc Software....Pages 65-83
Designing for Generative Activities: Expanding Spaces for Learning and Teaching....Pages 85-97
SimCalc and the Networked Classroom....Pages 99-121
Front Matter....Pages 123-124
SimCalc at Scale: Three Studies Examine the Integration of Technology, Curriculum, and Professional Development for Advancing Middle School Mathematics....Pages 125-143
Learning and Participation in High School Classrooms....Pages 145-166
Development of Student and Teacher Assessments in the Scaling Up SimCalc Project....Pages 167-181
Sustainable Use of Dynamic Representational Environments: Toward a District-Wide Adoption of SimCalc-Based Materials....Pages 183-202
Impact of Classroom Connectivity on Learning and Participation....Pages 203-229
Front Matter....Pages 231-231
Mathematical Discourse as a Process that Mediates Learning in SimCalc Classrooms....Pages 233-249
Scaling Up Innovative Mathematics in the Middle Grades: Case Studies of “Good Enough” Enactments....Pages 251-269
Changing from the Inside Out: SimCalc Teacher Changes in Beliefs and Practices....Pages 271-284
Connection Making: Capitalizing on the Affordances of Dynamic Representations Through Mathematically Relevant Questioning....Pages 285-298
“They Need to Be Solid in Standard Skills First”: How Standards Can Become the Upper Bound....Pages 299-316
Front Matter....Pages 317-317
Developing and Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Higher Order Mathematical Thinking with SimCalc....Pages 319-340
Adapting SimCalc to Different School Mathematics Cultures: A Case Study from Brazil....Pages 341-362
Mathematical Modeling with SimCalc: Enhancing Students’ Complex Problem Solving Skills Using a Modeling Approach....Pages 363-381
Front Matter....Pages 317-317
Approaching Calculus with SimCalc: Linking Derivative and Antiderivative....Pages 383-399
Front Matter....Pages 401-401
You Can Lead a Horse to Water…: Issues in Deepening Learning Through Deepening Teaching....Pages 403-418
Modeling as a Means for Making Powerful Ideas Accessible to Children at an Early Age....Pages 419-436
The Kaputian Program and Its Relation to DNR-Based Instruction: A Common Commitment to the Development of Mathematics with Meaning....Pages 437-448
The Evolution of Technology and the Mathematics of Change and Variation: Using Human Perceptions and Emotions to Make Sense of Powerful Ideas....Pages 449-461
Conversation About SimCalc, Its Evolution and Lessons Along the Way....Pages 463-474
Back Matter....Pages 475-480

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This volume provides essential guidance for transforming mathematics learning in schools through the use of innovative technology, pedagogy, and curriculum. It presents clear, rigorous evidence of the impact technology can have in improving students learning of important yet complex mathematical concepts -- and goes beyond a focus on technology alone to clearly explain how teacher professional development, pedagogy, curriculum, and student participation and identity each play an essential role in transforming mathematics classrooms with technology. Further, evidence of effectiveness is complemented by insightful case studies of how key factors lead to enhancing learning, including the contributions of design research, classroom discourse, and meaningful assessment.

The volume organizes over 15 years of sustained research by multiple investigators in different states and countries who together developed an approach called "SimCalc" that radical transforms how Algebra and Calculus are taught.
The SimCalc program engages students around simulated motions, such as races on a soccer field, and builds understanding using visual representations such as graphs, and familiar representations such as stories to help students to develop meaning for more abstract mathematical symbols. Further, the SimCalc program leverages classroom wireless networks to increase participation by all students in doing, talking about, and reflecting on mathematics. Unlike many technology programs, SimCalc research shows the benefits of balanced attention to curriculum, pedagogy, teacher professional development, assessment and technology -- and has proven effectiveness results at the scale of hundreds of schools and classrooms.

Combining the findings of multiple investigators in one accessible volume reveals the depth and breadth of the research program, and engages readers interested in:

* Engaging students in deeply learning the important concepts in mathematics
* Designing innovative curriculum, software, and professional development
· Effective uses of technology to improve mathematics education
* Creating integrated systems of teaching that transform mathematics classrooms
* Scaling up new pedagogies to hundreds of schools and classrooms
* Conducting research that really matters for the future of mathematics learning

Content:
Front Matter....Pages I-XI
Front Matter....Pages 1-3
Introduction: Major Themes, Technologies, and Timeline....Pages 5-11
The Mathematics of Change and Variation from a Millennial Perspective: New Content, New Context....Pages 13-26
From Static to Dynamic Mathematics: Historical and Representational Perspectives....Pages 27-45
Intersecting Representation and Communication Infrastructures....Pages 47-62
Front Matter....Pages 63-63
Reflections on Significant Developments in Designing SimCalc Software....Pages 65-83
Designing for Generative Activities: Expanding Spaces for Learning and Teaching....Pages 85-97
SimCalc and the Networked Classroom....Pages 99-121
Front Matter....Pages 123-124
SimCalc at Scale: Three Studies Examine the Integration of Technology, Curriculum, and Professional Development for Advancing Middle School Mathematics....Pages 125-143
Learning and Participation in High School Classrooms....Pages 145-166
Development of Student and Teacher Assessments in the Scaling Up SimCalc Project....Pages 167-181
Sustainable Use of Dynamic Representational Environments: Toward a District-Wide Adoption of SimCalc-Based Materials....Pages 183-202
Impact of Classroom Connectivity on Learning and Participation....Pages 203-229
Front Matter....Pages 231-231
Mathematical Discourse as a Process that Mediates Learning in SimCalc Classrooms....Pages 233-249
Scaling Up Innovative Mathematics in the Middle Grades: Case Studies of “Good Enough” Enactments....Pages 251-269
Changing from the Inside Out: SimCalc Teacher Changes in Beliefs and Practices....Pages 271-284
Connection Making: Capitalizing on the Affordances of Dynamic Representations Through Mathematically Relevant Questioning....Pages 285-298
“They Need to Be Solid in Standard Skills First”: How Standards Can Become the Upper Bound....Pages 299-316
Front Matter....Pages 317-317
Developing and Enhancing Elementary School Students’ Higher Order Mathematical Thinking with SimCalc....Pages 319-340
Adapting SimCalc to Different School Mathematics Cultures: A Case Study from Brazil....Pages 341-362
Mathematical Modeling with SimCalc: Enhancing Students’ Complex Problem Solving Skills Using a Modeling Approach....Pages 363-381
Front Matter....Pages 317-317
Approaching Calculus with SimCalc: Linking Derivative and Antiderivative....Pages 383-399
Front Matter....Pages 401-401
You Can Lead a Horse to Water…: Issues in Deepening Learning Through Deepening Teaching....Pages 403-418
Modeling as a Means for Making Powerful Ideas Accessible to Children at an Early Age....Pages 419-436
The Kaputian Program and Its Relation to DNR-Based Instruction: A Common Commitment to the Development of Mathematics with Meaning....Pages 437-448
The Evolution of Technology and the Mathematics of Change and Variation: Using Human Perceptions and Emotions to Make Sense of Powerful Ideas....Pages 449-461
Conversation About SimCalc, Its Evolution and Lessons Along the Way....Pages 463-474
Back Matter....Pages 475-480
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