COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF LEARNING MATHEMATICS AND USING COMPUTERS

Abstract

Mathematics is the key course to interpret the science and nature. A positive attitude should be improved by learners to comprehend the logic of mathematics. However, most of the research indicated that they were not interested in learning and studying mathematics. Instead of understanding the basic principles, many students preferred to use sophisticated software packages or graphing calculators for solving mathematics problems. Thus, these tools prevent the improvement of their mathematical skills. This study investigates students’ confidence when learning mathematics and using computers. Besides, the research examines the effects of computers and graphing calculators in the learning of mathematics on the students’ opinions. The study was conducted with 230 technical vocational school students. The data of the research was collected using a survey of “Attitudes to Technology in Mathematics Learning Questionnaire”. The results of the study indicated that many students were not interested in learning and understanding the subjects while studying mathematics on pen and paper. They preferred to solve mathematics problems with the help of sophisticated mathematics software packages or graphing calculators. Detailed results and recommendations based on the students’ confidence and perceptions are presented in the study.