Exploring a world of number: A case study of the use of CD-ROM in schools

Abstract

This paper contains a case study of the use of a CD-ROM in a Sheffield secondary school. Nine groups of students tackled a mathematical investigation presented through a video clip on the CD-ROM The World of Number. The paper outlines three stages within the process of mathematical investigation and discusses the contribution of the CD-ROM material to each stage of the students’ thinking. It concludes that the CD-ROM successfully oriented students by engaging their attention and by illustrating the object of the investigation. The paper argues that The World of Number materials are most likely to be used in a self access setting even if this was not the specific intention of the designers. It discusses ways in which the materials could be made more suitable for self access work and argues that the role of the teacher is critical within self access learning. Finally, it is suggested that future CD-ROM materials might contain a mix of expository material, games and additional resources such as text and statistical data. © 1995 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.