The use of technology in textbooks: a Grade-7 example from Hong Kong

Abstract

Information technology for interactive learning is one of the four key tasks recommending in the curriculum reform in Hong Kong (Curriculum Development Council, 2000). According to Fan(2011), the use of technology in textbooks can be reflected in the categories of calculator, computer, Internet, software. A set of Grade 7 mathematics textbooks from a popular series in Hong Kong was analyzed. The exercises or activities using the technological tools in the textbooks were identified and the tools were categorized. Their mathematical contents were classified according to the three mathematics strands (Number & Algebra; Measures, Shape & Space and Data Handling) in the curriculum. Findings show that the use of technological tools in the textbooks included Internet, software and a CD-ROM produced by the publisher. The publisher provided an “E-tutor”-website for a direct guidance for selected questions in the revision exercises in the textbooks and a drilling program in the CD-ROM. There was one project for carrying out a statistical study of the Hong Kong population. The steps for generating of statistical graphs with Excel were demonstrated with illustrations. IT exploratory using Excel and GeoGebra were found.