Technology plays an important role in many aspects of life and business. The importance of teaching mathematics to students with a technology supported learning environment is becoming recognized as an effective and vital means of educating students.  The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is working to promote the concept and educate teachers to improve the use of technology for teaching mathematics. There are many applications which can assist teachers in fostering and influencing the study of mathematics. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of learning through the use of technology for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Technology-Supported Mathematics Learning Environment: Sixty-Seventh Yearbook is a NCTM book which concentrates on the importance of technology in teaching and learning of mathematical applications for all grade levels. This manual also focuses on the results of research on technology and the impact on learning. It provides documentation from actual classrooms on the methods teachers use to teach and mentor students on the use of technology and software applications. The book details the ways a student can use spreadsheets and specific software for geometry and algebraic equations to fully understand and comprehend the problems; not just finding the final answer but rather grasping the concepts. The teacher’s attitudes towards technology are also a factor which impacts the effects of learning on students.

The book concludes with thought provoking concepts on what the future holds for mathematics and technology in the classroom. The concept of a web based instructional teaching methods have a fundamental basis for not only the ease of use, but also a means to reach more people. Universities have already begun the use of web based instruction with on-line degree programs. This concept is one that kindergarten through high school may be adopted in the future.

Technology is more than just the use of one piece of equipment but rather covers all modalities available to include computers, calculators and specific software applications. Research is one avenue to demonstrate the importance of technology and learning. Although computers and calculators have a reputation for performing the work which students should be required to manually work, students can learn the appropriate times to use them for mathematical answers. Teaching students how to make proper use of technology through a curriculum integrated with theories and research proven methods will empower students to make careful decisions for proper technology practice.

Research is an important part of understanding how technology is useful as well as demonstrate possible new theories and ideas. Cheng-Yao Lin of the Southern Illinois University conducted a research study to determine the efficacy of web based workshops geared towards fostering teachers’ confidence and competence in technology and the use of computers and the Internet in the mathematics classroom (p. 135). The author used the NCTM organization’s recommendations on mathematics and technology as supporting evidence in his research. The study concluded that computers and web based resources are important. The results showed how age appropriate software also was useful in engaging students in learning mathematics and the concepts associated with math.

Research on mathematical thinking and understanding has demonstrated vital information on how learners construct knowledge (NCTM: Rivera, 2005). In Lin’s study he used interviews in the research to gain a better understanding of how vital research is on practical day-to-day classroom interactions and student engagement. Research informs and reality supports the information gleamed from the research. The methods and tools used for understanding how mathematics learning and teaching impacts students and teachers is important on research and interpretation of the results.