Solving problems on functions: role of the graphic calculator

Resumen

To study the roles that the graphing calculator plays in solving problems about functions, a small quasi-experimental study was conducted with four pairs of undergraduate students solving problems with and without the graphing calculator. The analysis of the protocols of the sessions did not reveal major differences that could be attributed to the presence or absence of the tool but indicated differences in strategies used with each problem that could be explained in terms of the nature of the knowledge at stake and to students' availability of that knowledge. The study suggests a model for conducting research that looks for explaining the effects of technology in learning and instruction.