Classroom Technology
In the last decade, technology has been given a vital role in the teaching and learning of mathematics at Seattle University. When the first Seattle University Macintosh Teaching Lab was created in 1990, the Mathematics Department was one of three departments given primary access. We developed weekly collaborative lab projects for the first quarter of calculus (MATH 134) and the linear algebra course (MATH 233). Since that time, additional courses such as the applied mathematics courses (MATH 361, 461) use the computer labs on a weekly basis and many other courses, ranging from the humanities mathematics course (MATH 107) to abstract algebra (MATH 411), periodically use the teaching labs or open labs to enhance learning.
In all first-year mathematics courses, with the exception of MATH 107 (Mathematical Reasoninig and Its Applications), a graphing calculator is considered a necessary tool for understanding and completing the coursework. In certain mathematics courses, a specific graphing calculator is required but in most of the courses, any graphing calculator is allowed. Not only will students use the graphing calculator for homework assignments and exams, but the instructor often will organize small group activities utilizing the calculator or will provide demonstrations of concepts using projection equipment for the calculator.
In most of our freshman and sophomore level courses, (MATH 110, 118, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136, 232, and 233), we require that students possess a graphing calculator. These calculators will be supplemented with computer software programs, when needed. In the first year mathematics classes, any graphing calculator is permitted; however, since the instructor will be demonstrating on a TI-83 or TI-84 series calculator, it is recommended that any student who does not already own a graphing calculator should buy a TI-83 or TI-84 series calculator.