The Big Issues

1. Can the same thing be done without technology? Why/why not? To what extent?
   
   
2. Is it more "Bells and whistles"? (to what extent? in what ways?) or is it more conceptual? (in what ways?) Explain
   
   
3. Does the user have the ability to exercise some independent choice, autonomy, and creativity (and do these mathematical ways?) or are the choices before the user, and the path they will follow (to a significant extent) pre-determined and pre-programmed? Where does each happen, and to what extent? What ramifications are there for active, meaningful learning?
   
   
4. Can the user create and explore his/her own conjectures?
   
   
5. (Most ambitious:) Can the user create new mathematical "worlds" and extensions of what's already there?

Your comments: ______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Secondary but also important/useful features:

1. Can two or more students interact? In a "fun" way or a mathematical-reasoning enhancing way (e.g. human strategy vs human strategy; or else the math is more complex and rich with a second user)?
   
2. Has multiple levels of difficulty? Multiple types of problems/activities?
   
3. Allows you to end game/exploration, and remembers where you were when you continue later?
   
4. Has tips for Instructor on usage?
   
5. Has clear directions for students?
   
6. Has links to useful, relevant, enriching websites?
   
7. Is appealing (visually/audio) without being distracting/loud?