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Computers in Probability Education

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Chance Encounters: Probability in Education

Part of the book series: Mathematics Education Library ((MELI,volume 12))

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the impact of computers on probability in general secondary education. Mathematics educators have been producing ideas for using computers and calculators in probability education for two decades. Although there are many teaching suggestions, empirical research on this topic is uncommon and critical reports of practical experience rarely go beyond an enthusiastic description. A critical review of ideas, software and experience which would be helpful for further research and development is the major objective of this chapter. We will deal with pedagogical aspects, the subject matter and its change, and the role of changing technology. Various approaches will be reviewed; computers used as general mathematical utilities, simulation as a scientific method, and simulation for providing an empirical background for probability. Graphical methods may enhance the idea of visualization. The emphasis is on general orientation in the field.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Didaktik der Mathematik, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 8640, DW — 4800, Bielefeld, Germany

    Rolf Biehler

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  1. Rolf Biehler
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. South Bank Polytechnic, London, UK

    Ramesh Kapadia

  2. Institute of Mathematics, University of Klagenfurt, Austria

    Manfred Borovcnik

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© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Biehler, R. (1991). Computers in Probability Education. In: Kapadia, R., Borovcnik, M. (eds) Chance Encounters: Probability in Education. Mathematics Education Library, vol 12. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3532-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3532-0_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5563-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-3532-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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