Dr. Mary Ann Connors



Dr. Mary Ann Connors is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and 
Program Director of Secondary Mathematics Certification at Westfield State College. 
Her office is room 421 Wilson Hall and her phone is (413) 572-5717. 

Email: mconnors@wsc.ma.edu



Publications

Publications in Refereed Journals

(1994, November)     "A Unique Pattern for Generating Pythagorean Triples,"  The New England Mathematics Journal.  27 (1), 2 - 4.  Reprinted in (1995, Fall).  The Virginia Mathematics Teacher.  22 (1), pg. 21. 

(1995)     "Achievement and Gender in Computer-Integrated Calculus," Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering , 2 (2), pp. 113 - 121. 

(1995)      "A Postscript to Reclaiming a Conversation"  (cited in the introduction of Changing the Educational Landscape:Philosophy, Women and Curriculum by Jane Roland Martin (1993)).  Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, 2 (4), pp.269-274. 

(1997, Spring)       "Technology in Mathematics Education: A Personal Perspective," Journal of Computing in Higher Education.  8(2), pp. 94-108. 

(1997)     “Exploring the Logistic Population Model,” International Journal of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education , Volume 4, Number 1, pp. 111-115. 

(2001)     “The Effects of Hand-Held CAS on Student Achievement in a First Year College Core Calculus Sequence” (with Kathleen Snook).  International Journal of Computer Algebra in Mathematics Education. Volume 8, Number 2, pp 99-114. 
http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/maths/CTMHOME/ijcame_vol8_no2.htm

(2001)     “A Technology Tale:  Integrating Hand-Held CAS into a Mathematics Curriculum” (with Kathleen Snook). Teaching Mathematics and its Applications,Vol 20, No 4, pp. 171 – 190. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
  http://www3.oup.co.uk/teamat/hdb/Volume_20/Issue_04/

(2004)    Creating Scripts (Mini Labs) Using The TI-89 Or Voyage 200 Text Editor With
Executable Commands” The Mathemaatics Teacher.  Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Vol. 97, No. 5, May 2004, pp. 372-378.

Submissions to Refereed Journals :

(submitted)     “Technology in Teaching and Learning Mathematics”

(submitted)     “The Effects of Hand-Held a Computer Algebra System on Student Attitudes in a First Year Calculus Sequence” (with Kathleen Snook). 

(submitted)      “Surprising Fractals” 

Works in Progress


(to be submitted)     “How Integrating New Technology Forced Change in Student Assessment  Practices” (with Kathleen Snook) 

(to be submitted)     "The Effects of Hand-Held CAS in Multivariable Calculus" (with Bill Fehlman) 

Publications in Books:   

(1997)     "Syllabus 9 -- First Year Calculus,” in Kennedy, D. (Ed.), Teachers Guide  -- AP Calculus.  New York: The College Board. 

(1998)     "Expanding the Calculus Horizon Module:  Robotics."  In Anton, H,       Calculus: A New Horizon.  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  pp. 221-224. 

(1998)     "Expanding the Calculus Horizon Module:  Functions from Data." In Anton, H, Calculus: A New Horizon.  New York: John Wiley &   Sons, Inc.  pp. 324-328. 

(1998)     "Expanding the Calculus Horizon Module:  Comet Collision."  In Anton, H, Calculus: A New Horizon.  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp.755-758.  

(2002)     "Expanding the Calculus Horizon Module:  Robotics."  In Anton, H., Bivens, I., and Davis, S.  Calculus: Early Transcendentals.  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  pp. 236-240.
 
(2002)     "Expanding the Calculus Horizon Module:  Comet Collision."  In Anton, H., Bivens, I., and Davis, S.  Calculus: Early Transcendentals.  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  pp. 785-787. (2005)      "Horizon Module:  Comet Collision."  In Anton, H., Bivens, I., and Davis, S.  Calculus (Eighth Edition).  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  pp. 787-789
 
(2005)       "Horizon Module:  Comet Collision."  In Anton, H., Bivens, I., and Davis, S.  Calculus:Early Transcendentals (Eighth Edition).  New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  pp. 783-785

Publications of Instructional/Course Materials :   

(1999)     Calculus Short Course, CAS-CALC I, 1999: Enhancing the Teaching and Learning of Calculus With a Computer Algebra System (Editor and Contributor).  The Technology College Short Course Program, The Ohio State University 

(1999)     The TI-89 in Discrete Dynamical Systems and Calculus.  1999 Adam Fellowship Technology Project.  United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. 

(2001)     Twenty Algebra Activities, Resources for Instructors,Texas Instruments Website 
http://www.education.ti.com/ 

(2001)     Twenty Calculus Activities, Resources for Instructors,Texas Instruments Website 
http://www.education.ti.com/ 

(2002)     Twenty Statisitcs Activities, Resources for Instructors,Texas Instruments Website 
http://www.education.ti.com/ 
 

Other Publications

(1994, 1995)     "Exploring Fractals,"  World Wide Web,  http://www.math.umass.edu/~mconnors/fractal/fractal.html 

(1994, January)     "Fractals at Princeton," UFT MATH.  6(1), pg. 10 

(1995)     “An Analysis of Student Achievement and Attitudes by Gender in Computer-  Integrated and Non- Computer-Integrated First Year Mainstream College Calculus Courses,” UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, MI: Bell and Howell Co., UMI Number 9524690, Doctoral Dissertation, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

(1995, Spring)      "Fractals II at Princeton," UFT MATH.  7(1), pg. 1, 10. 

(1995, May 12-14)     "An Analysis of Student Achievement and Attitudes by Gender in Computer-Integrated and Non-Computer-Integrated First Year Mainstream College Calculus Courses,"  Abstracts:  The Women, Gender, and Science Question, p.93. 

(1995, Summer)     "An Analysis of a Calculus Reform Project," Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 16, Number 3, pp 659, 660. 

(1995, November)     "Getting Student Projects Going," UME TRENDS (Innovative Teaching Exchange Column), 7 (5), pg. 7. 

(1996, February)     "Fractals," A PWS Kent Case Study on the World Wide Web, 
   http://www.pws.com/pws/math/modules/cases/fractal/fractal.htm 

(1996, Spring)     "Fractals III at Princeton," UFT MATH.  8(1), pg. 4. 

(1997)     "The TI - 92 in Calculus with a Lab Component," Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 18, Number 1,  pg. 228. 

(1997)     "Student Presentation of Projects," Abstracts of Papers Presented      to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 18, Number 1, pg. 237 

(1998)     "The World Wide Web in Discrete Dynamical Systems and Calculus at West Point."  Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 19, Number 1, pg.  203. 

(1998)    "Exploring the Logistic Population Model as a Discrete Dynamical System Using the TI-92," The Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference - Teachers Teaching with Technology, Nashville, TN, #283. 

(1998)     "Exploring The Logistic Population Model As A Discrete Dynamical System In Calculus Using The TI – 92”, Proceedings from the Third International Derive and TI-92 Conference, Gettysburg, PA, Compact Disk. 

(1998)      “Some Essential Ingredients for Effective Assessment” with Dr. Edward A. Connors.  Mathematica Militaris Volume 8, Issue3, Fall 1998, pp 7,8. 

(1999)     "Exploring the Logistic Population Model as a Discrete Dynamical System Using the TI-92," Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics . Chicago, Illinois November 6-9, 1997. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp 89-93. 

(1999)     “Using the TI-92 and CBL as a Catalyst for Student Active Learning,” with Edward A Connors.  Computer Algebra Systems in Education NEWSLETTER.  Number 33, January 1999, pp. 4-5. 

(1999)     “Calculus with the TI-92 and CBL,” The Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference - Teachers Teaching with Technology, Chicago, IL Compact Disk. 

(1999)     "Teaching and Learning with Technology," Mathematica Militaris, (with Edward A. Connors and Kathleen Snook).  West Point, NY, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Vol.9, Issue 3, pp.4-6. 

(1999)     "Calculus and Differential Equations with the TI-89 and TI-92 Plus," The Chinese Proceedings of the Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics, Guangzhou, China, December 17-21, 1999, Dallas, TX: Texas Instruments. 

(2000)     “Using the TI-92 and CBL/CBR in Calculus and Differential Equations” Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, New Orleans, LA, November 20-22, 1998. Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp 72-76. 

(2000)     "Exploring Population Models, Drug Dosage and Pollution with Difference Equations", Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 21, Number 1, pg.  176. 

(2000)     "Ordinary Differential Equations with the TI-89," Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 21, Number 1, pg.  233. 

(2000)     "Integrating the TI-89 Handheld CAS into the United States Military Curriculum," (with Kathleen Snook). Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 21, Number 1, pg.  241. 

(2000)     "Calculus with the TI-89," The Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference - Teachers Teaching with Technology Compact Disk, Dallas, TX, March17-19, 2000. 

(2000)      “Integrating Hand-Held CAS to Enhance Teaching and Learning in the Core Mathematics Curriculum,”  Abstracts of the Fifth Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, National-Louis University: The Association for Research in Undergraduate Mathematics. 

(2001)     "Calculus and Differential Equations with the TI-89," (with Edward Connors).   Proceedings of the Twelfth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics . Burlingame, CA, November 4-7, 1999.  Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp 64-68. 

 (2001)      " A Hand-Held Computer Algebra System In ODE," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, January 10-13, 2001 (with Kathleen Snook).  Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 22, Number 1, pg. 223. 

(2001)      "A Spring-Mass System Demonstration Enhanced by the TI-89 Hand Held Computer Algebra System," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., January 10-13, 2001 (with Kathleen Snook).  Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society , Volume 21, Number 1, pg. 232. 

(2001)      " The Effects of Integrating the TI-89 in a Calculus Course at West Point," Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Columbus, OH, March 16-18, 2001 (CD) 

(2001)      “Integrating Technology To Enhance Teaching And Learning In The Core Mathematics Curriculum,” Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics . Atlanta, GA, November 16-19, 2000 (with Kathleen Snook).  Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp 80-84. 

(2001)      “Creating Calculus Mini Labs Using The TI-89 Or TI-92 Text Editor With Executable Commands,” Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics . Atlanta, GA, November 16-19, 2000 (with Edward Connors) .  Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp 75-79. 

(2002)     “Integration Of Mathematical Modelling And Technology In Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses,” Proceedings of the2nd International Conference on theTeaching of Mathematics (at the undergraduate level). University of Crete16 July 2002, Hersonissos, Crete, Greece (with Edward Connors) http://www.math.uoc.gr/~ictm2/Proceedings/pap129.pdf
           
(2003)     “Statistics With The TI-89 Statistics Flash Application And List Editor,” Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, Baltimore, MD, November 1-4, 2001 (with Edward Connors).  Reading, MA: Addison Wesley, pp.30-34.
 
(2003)     “Investigating a Predator-Prey Model with a Computer Algebra System,” AMS-MAA Joint Meetings, Baltimore, MD, January 15-18, 2003 Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 24, Number 1, pg. 266. 
 
(2003)     “Dynamic Geometry in College Mathematics Classes,” AMS-MAA Joint Meetings, Baltimore, MD, January 15-18, 2003 Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 24, Number 1, pp. 280-281.
 
(2003)    “Statistics with the TI-89/TI-92 Plus/Voyage 200,” Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference Nashville, TN, March 7-9, 2003Proceedings of the Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference (CD)

(2004)    “Connecting Geometry and Pre-Calculus with the TI-89/Voyage 200”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, New Orleans, LA, March 10-14, 2004, Proceedings of the Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference (CD)

(2004)     “Connecting Dynamic Geometry, Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus with the TI-89/Voyage 200,” Seventeenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, New Orleans, LA October 28-31, 2004 (CD).

(2005)     Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Washington, D.C., March 18-20, 2005, Proceedings of the Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference (CD)

(2006)      Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics MS and HS Teacher Preparation”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Denver, CO, February 24-26, 2006, Proceedings of the Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference (CD)

(2007)     “Exploring Fractals from Cantor Dust to the Fractal Skewed Web”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America in New Orleans, January 5-8, 2007, Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 28, Number 1, pg. 247. 
 
(2007)     “Reconceptualizing Content Courses for Prospective High School Mathematics Teachers”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America in New Orleans, January 5-8, 2007, Abstracts of Papers Presented to the American Mathematical Society, Volume 28, Number 1, pg. 306.    
 
(2007)    “Integrating Technology/Engineering Concepts Into The Teaching Of Mathematics In Middle School”, International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics”, Boston, MA, February 15-18, 2007, Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics (CD).

(2007)     Connecting Geometry, Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Chicago, IL, March 9-11, 2007, Proceedings of the Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference (CD).


Presentations

Invited Presentations


Presentations at Local, State, National and International Meetings

 Workshops Presented/Coordinated for High School / College / University Faculty

      Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England Fall Conference, Springfield, MA, Nov. 4-6, 1993 

      Third International Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamics Symposium - Invited Presentation, Princeton University, July 5-9, 1994 

      NCTM National Meeting, Boston, MA, April 6-9, 1995 

      ATMIM & MATHWEST M3 Conference - Merging Mathematics in Massachusetts, Worcester, MA March 7-8, 1996 

      Math Links Conference, Worcester, MA, October 21-22, 1996 

      Worcester Area Mathematics Institute, Alliance for Education, Worcester, MA, November 2,1996 

      Amherst Regional High School, Amherst, MA, January 3, 1995 

      Stoughton School District, Stoughton, MA, May 20, 1996

     Coordinator and Presenter, University of Massachusetts Amherst, June 26 - July 1, 1994 

     Coordinator and Presenter, University of Massachusetts Amherst, July 17- July 21, 1995

      Rhode Island College, November 18-19, 1994

      College Board Fall Course Development Workshop, Middlebury College, VT, October 17, 1996 

      College Board Fall Course Development Workshop, Taft Education  Center, Watertown, CT, November 4, 1996

      College Board Fall Course Development Workshop, Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, November 20, 2003

      College Board Endorsed Summer Institute, Salem State College, Salem, MA, July 30 –  August 3, 2007

      Western New England College, May 3, 1995

      "Using The TI - 92 in Teaching Pre - Calculus and Calculus," Northeastern Regional  MAA  
       Meeting, Providence College, Providence, RI, May 3, 1997.

       Implementation of Technology Across the Secondary Mathematics Curriculum 
      Co-Principal Investigator, Project Manager and Presenter, Holyoke, MA, 
      January 30, February 13, March 6,  March 27, July 14-25, 1997

       Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant Principal Investigator, Calculus Reform College Short Course Coordinator and Assistant,
       University of Massachusetts Amherst, June 24-28, 1996 

       Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant Principal Investigator, Calculus Reform College Short Course Coordinator and Principal Instructor,
       University of Massachusetts Amherst, June 23-27, 1997 

       College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, January 13, 14, 1998 

       College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, July 27-31, 1998 

       College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, January 1999

       College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, July 1999 

       College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, January 2000
 
      College Calculus Technology Short Course, William Rainey Harper College, Palatine IL, June 19-22, 2000 

      College Calculus Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, July 2000

            TI-83 Plus/CBL Workshop, Washingtonville, NY, May, 2000

            TI-84 Plus/CBL Workshop, Monson, MA, September 27, 2007

       College Pre-Calculus Short Course, Suffolk Community College, Selden, NY, August  4 - 5, 2000

      College Calculus II Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, August 2000

      College Statistics Technology Short Course, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, Fall 2000

       State University of New York (SUNY) Fredonia, Fredonia, NY, May 15-16, 2001

       Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, July 23-27, 2001

        Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall Semester 2002


       For Education Coop Wellesley, MA at Needham High School, Needham, MA, July 8-12, 2002

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall Semester 2004

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Spring Semester 2005

        Framingham State College, Framingham, MA, January 24, 2003

        Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, May 3, 2003

        Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall, 2003

        Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall, 2004
        
       
Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall, 2005

        Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall, 2006


          Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, August 15-19, 2005


          College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY, August 14-16, 2007



Memberships

Editorial Panel of the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics 2005 Yearbook, 
Technology-Supported Mathematics Learning Environments 

Phi Delta Kappa Professional Fraternity in Education 

Pi Mu Epsilon National Honorary Mathematics Society 

AP Calculus Development and Test Writing Committee 1998-1999

Faculty Consultant for the College Board and Educational Testing Service 

Texas Instruments College Short Course Instructor 

Mathematical Association of America 

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 

MATHWEST Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Western Massachusetts 

Treasurer Western Massachusetts Mathematics League 1982 -1990 


Research Interests

Dr. Connors's research interests include: 

appropriate use of technology to enhance teaching and learning, 

gender and minority issues in mathematics education, and 

teacher preparation and enhancement.

The title of her dissertation is An Analysis of Student Achievement and Attitudes by Gender in Computer-Integrated and Non- Computer-Integrated First Year Mainstream College Calculus Courses


Brief Biography

Dr. Mary Ann Connors formal education includes a doctoral degree in Mathematics, Science & Instructional Technology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an M.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame, and a B.A. in Mathematics from Seton Hill College  

She is a former High School Mathematics teacher with Teacher Certification in Secondary Mathematics and General Science in the commonwealths of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Virginia. She taught mathematics in public, private and parochial high schools in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia and Hanau, Germany. She also taught at the elementary school level and was certified in elementary education. 

Dr. Connors was a faculty member of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at United States Military Academy at West Point from 1997 to 2001.  For the preceding five years, she taught a calculus course with a lab component using Mathematica computer software at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Currently Dr Connors is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Program Director of Secondary Mathematics Certification at Westfield State College.  She is a faculty consultant for the College Board and Educational Testing Service and a Texas Instruments National Instructor.  She served as a member of the AP Calculus Development and Test Writing Committee.  She is a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity in Education and several national, regional and local mathematical organizations.  She was a member of the Editorial Panel for the 2005 Yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Technology-Supported Mathematics Learning Environments.  She was an invited participant at the First national Summit on the Advancement of Girls in Math and Science at the U.S. Department of Education in May 15, 2006.

Dr. Connors has given presentations at Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus Calculator Workshops, National Science Foundation Funded workshops on Calculus Reform using appropriate technology, and the Texas Instruments/Ohio State Calculus Short Course using the TI-92. She has also presented workshops on fractals at national and international meetings. Her publications include numerous articles, papers, and a fractal project on the World Wide Web, http://www.math.umass.edu/~mconnors/fractal/fractal.html.  She was the guest on the call-in talk radio show, Math Medley, on July 27, 2002.  The title of the show was "Using Technology to Teach Mathematics." 

Dr. Connors is married to Edward Connors, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Their son James is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Their daughter, Kathleen, received a B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and an M.A. degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst


Awards



Last updated: September 27, 2007

Updated by: Dr. Mary Ann Connors

(c) Copyrighted
1994,1995,1996,1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 by Mary Ann Connors. All rights reserved.

 
If you wish to use any of the text or images in Exploring Fractals please contact its author Mary Ann Connors at the following address.
Thank you.

Dr. Mary Ann Connors
Department of Mathematics
Westfield State College
Westfield, MA 01086
phone: (413) 572 - 5717
fax: (413) 572 - 5617
email: mconnors@wsc.ma.edu