The use of technology in mathematics support: an overview of the 4th Irish Workshop on Mathematics Learning and Support Centres

This article provides an overview of the 4th Irish Workshop on Mathematics Learning and Support Centres which was organised by the Irish Mathematics Support Network and took place in Dublin City University in December 2009. The workshop focused on the use of technology in mathematics support with speakers reviewing a wide range of different approaches and also addressing core issues such as the relative value of computer-assisted learning and the optimum manner in which to integrate technology into teaching. A brief review of each presentation is given, highlighting key points raised.

Irish Mathematics Support Network

In February 2009, an open meeting of those involved in mathematics support and research in mathematics education in Ireland took place in the National University of Ireland Maynooth, with a view to discussing the formation of a national mathematics support network. A representative from sigma attended the meeting to provide information about current networks operating in the U.K. As a result, the Irish Mathematics Support Network was founded, with the aim of facilitating easier communication within the community and allowing for greater collaboration and joint research opportunities. A committee of six people was elected for a two-year period and a designated email address (irishmathssupport@gmail.com) and mailing list have been set up. The Irish Mathematics Support Network is supported by sigma, NCE-MSTL (National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning), NDLR (National Digital Learning Repository) and AISHE (All-Ireland Society for Higher Education). The network assumed responsibility for the organisation of the annual conference, known as the Irish Workshop on Mathematics Learning and Support Centres, which was hitherto organised on a more informal basis.

Irish Workshop on Mathematics Learning and Support Centres

The Irish Workshop on Mathematics Learning and Support Centres is an annual event, taking place in December of each year. The first workshop took place in 2006 in Dublin Institute of Technology, and since then, it has been hosted by the University of Limerick and by the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, before coming to Dublin City University this year. The aim of the workshop is to provide a forum for discussion and analysis of the most pertinent issues in mathematics support in higher education. It is a one-day event with little or no registration fee in order to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Full details of this year’s workshop, along with presentation abstracts and slides are available at [1]…