Experimental Design: Utilizing Microsoft Mathematics in Teaching and Learning Calculus

Abstract

The experimental design was conducted to investigate the use of Microsoft Mathematics, free software made by Microsoft Corporation, in teaching and learning Calculus. This paper reports results from experimental study details on implementation of Microsoft Mathematics in Calculus, students’ achievement and the effects of the use of Microsoft Mathematics on students’ attitudes in relation to such experience. Two classes of the students from the first year student in Universitas Serang Raya were participated in the study. Control group was taught by using conventional teaching method, whereas experimental group was taught by using Microsoft Mathematics software. Assessment of students’ achievement was collected previous to and after experiment by giving the test. At the end of the lecture, both groups completed the questionnaires indicating their attitudes toward and self-confidence in mathematics and computers. In addition, the experimental group was asked to complete a questionnaire about their attitudes toward using Microsoft Mathematics. Interview process was added to complete the data. This study found that students who taught by using Microsoft Mathematics had higher achievement and has a positive effect on students’ confidence of mathematics.

Keywords: calculus, educational technology, experimental design, microsoft mathematics, technology application