Dr. Mary Ann Connors

Email: mconnors@wsc.ma.edu

• For additional information, read her biography.    

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• She teaches
  
• MA 105, Calculus I, 
  
• MA 108, Honors Elementary Statistics,
  
• MA 110 Math Explorations,
  
• MA 118 Linear Algebra,
  
• MA 201, Multivariable Calculus,
  
• MA 301 Differential Equations
  
• MA 337 Foundations of Secondary and Middle School Mathematics,
  
• IDIS 518 Graphing Calculators in Math & Science,
  
• MA 560/360 Current Trends in Mathematics Education, and
• IDIS 610 Innovations in Teaching  Mathematics and Science

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• 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 . 

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• Education:  Dr. Connors received a B.A. in Mathematics from Seton Hill College, Greensburg, PA; an M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN; and an Ed.D. in Mathematics, Science & Instructional Technology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 

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• Publications     Visit her web publication, Exploring Fractals .    

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• Presentations    

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• Memberships  

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• Awards  

Publications

(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/

Submissions to Refereed Journals :

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

(submitted)     “Fascinating Fractals” in Excursions in Fractal Geometry submitted to the Mathematical Association of America, May 2008

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.  

(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, 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.

(2000)     "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. 

Presentations

• "Exploring Fractals: From Cantor Dust to the Fractal Skewed Web" - Chaos, Fractals, and Dynamics Symposium, Princeton University, July 5-9, 1994 

• "Fun With Fractals," MathConn 1995, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA, May 24, 1995
  

• MAA Minicourse Invited Presentation – Sole Presenter
  "Using The TI - 92 in Teaching Pre - Calculus and Calculus," Northeastern Regional  MAA Meeting, Providence College, Providence, RI, May 3, 1997.

• "Using Technology to Enhance Interactive Learning in the Mathematics Classroom", Columbia Teachers College Seminar Series, Columbia University, New York, NY, September 27, 1999 (with Edward Connors) 

• “An Intensive Interactive Introductory Tour of the TI-92, Featuring Its Computer Algebra System,”  Conference Within a Conference, National Council of  Teachers of Mathematics 77th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 22-24, 1999 

• "Enhancing the Teaching and Learning of Calculus With a Computer Algebra System", University of Connecticut, September 21, 1999 (with Edward Connors) 

• "Calculus and Differential Equations with the TI-89 and TI-92 Plus," The Fourth Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics, Guangzhou, China, December 17-21, 1999 

• “Integrating a Hand-Held Computer Algebra System Into the Core Mathematics Curriculum at West Point,” Mathematical Sciences Center for Faculty Development Seminar, West Point, NY, February 22, 2001 (with Kathleen Snook) 

• “Precalculus with the TI-89,” MATYCONN Spring Meeting, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT, May 10, 2002 

• "Using Technology to Teach Mathematics," Invited Guest on the call-in talk radio show, Math Medley,  hosted by Dr. Pat Kenschaft http://www.csam.montclair.edu/~kenschaft/WALEsched.html , broadcast live from Pheonix at 9:00 AM at 1100 on their AM dial and syndicated to Providence at noon at 990 on their AM dial, July 27, 2002
  

• Learning Calculus with the TI-89/TI-92 Plus/Voyage 200”, Mathematics Department Seminar, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, October 3, 2002

• “Statistics with the TI-83 Plus (TI-83 Plus Silver Edition)”(Invited Workshop), Northeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America (NES/MAA) Fall 2002 Meeting, Framingham State College, Framingham, MA November 22-23, 2002

• “Calculus with the TI-89/ TI-92 Plus/ Voyage 200”(Invited Workshop), Northeastern Section of the Mathematical Association of America (NES/MAA) Fall 2002 Meeting, Framingham State College, Framingham, MA November 22-23, 2002

• “The TI-83 in Middle and High School Mathematics Courses” (Invited Workshop), Saddle River Day School, Saddle River, N.J., October 25, 2004

• “Modeling the Spread of Disease”, Basic Notions Seminar, Westfield State College, December 3, 2004

• “Exploring Precalculus Using TI-89 CAS” (Invited Workshop), Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, CT, January 24, 2005

• “Using the TI-83/84 Plus in All Subjects in Middle and High School” (Invited Workshop), Granby Middle and High School, Granby, MA, February 10, 2005

• “Integrating the TI-84 Hand-held Technology in Middle School Mathematics,” (Invited Workshop), Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD, October 7-8, 2005

• “Surprising Fractals”, Basic Notions Seminar, Westfield State College, Westfield, MA,  March 26, 2007.

• “High School Mathematics and Science with the TI-84 Plus/CBL”, (Invited Workshop), Monson, MA, September 27, 2007

• “ Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus with the TI-83/84 Plus”, (Invited Workshop), Norton, MA, November 6, 2007

• “Integrating SMARTBoard Technology into High School Mathematics”, (Invited Workshop), Easthampton High School, Easthampton, MA, February 5, 2008

• “Some Reflections on the Implementation of Technology in the Mathematics Classroom”, Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, November 11, 2008.

• "Math 135-136, the NSF Funded Reform Calculus with a Mathematica Lab Component - Higher Education Coordinating Council College to School Reporting Project", University of Massachusetts Amherst, April 1994 

• "Implementing Calculus Reform at the University of Massachusetts" - Third Conference on Teaching of Calculus, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, June 24- 25, 1994 

• "An Analysis of Student Achievement and Attitudes By Gender in Computer- Integrated and Non-Computer-Integrated College Calculus Courses" - Conference on the Women, Gender and Science Question, University of Minnesota, May 12-14, 1995 

• "An Analysis of a Calculus Reform Project", AMS-MAA Math Fest, Vermont, August 6-8, 1995 

• "Calculus in a Real and Complex World" -  NSF Instrumentation and Labotatory Improvement Grant Poster Session, AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL, January 10-13, 1996 

• “An Analysis of a Calculus Reform Project,” West Point Mathematics Department, West Point, NY, April 1, 1996 

• “One of Three Flavors of Calculus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst,” Open Forum for All Massachusetts Secondary School Mathematics Teachers, Amherst, MA, May 16, 1996 

• “Integrating Calculators and Computers in Teaching Calculus,” Calculus Enhanced with Computer Algebra and Graphing Using the TI - 92 Short Course, University of Massachusetts Amherst, June 24-28, 1996 

• “How to Use Computers to Teach Calculus,” Teaching Seminar, University of Massachusetts Amherst, November 25, 1996 

• "The TI - 92 in Calculus with a Lab Component," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, January 7-11, 1997 

• "Student Presentation of Projects," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, January 7-11, 1997 

• "Calculus in a Real and Complex World" - NSF Instrumentation and Labotatory Improvement Grant Poster Session, AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, January 7-11, 1997 

• "The TI - 92 in Calculus with a Lab Component," US Military Academy, West Point, NY, April 3,1997 

• “Using Mathematica to Teach Calculus with a Lab Component” Instructional Technology Conference, Boxborough, MA, April 17, 1997 

• "Exploring the Logistic Population Model as a Discrete Dynamical System Using the TI-92," Workshop, Tenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics in Chicago, Illinois November 6-9, 1997 

• "Newton's Law of Cooling," Professional Development Workshop, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, November 18, 1997 

• "The World Wide Web in Discrete Dynamical Systems and Calculus at West Point," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, January 7-10, 1998 

• "Exploring The Logistic Population Model As A Discrete Dynamical System In Calculus Using The TI – 92”, International Derive and TI-92 Conference, Gettysburg, PA, July 14-17, 1998 

• “ Using the TI-89 and the CBL  in DDS and Calculus,” Professional Development Meeting, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, Nov. 17, 1998 

• “Using the TI-92 and CBL/CBR in Calculus and Differential Equations,” the Eleventh International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics in New Orleans, LA, November 20-22, 1998. 

• “Calculus with the TI-92 and CBL,” Eleventh International Conference - Teachers Teaching with Technology, Chicago, IL, January  22-24, 1999 

• “Using the TI-89 as a Catalyst for Student Active Learning in Calculus,” National Council of  Teachers of Mathematics 77th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, April 22-24, 1999 

• Using Handheld Technology in High School Mathematics, James I. O'Neill High School, Highland Falls, NY, October 12, 1999 

• "Calculus and Differential Equations with the TI-89," Twelfth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Burlingame, CA, November 4-7, 1999 

• "Exploring Population Models, Drug Dosage and Pollution with Difference Equations," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Washington,D.C., January 19-22, 2000 

• "Ordinary Differential Equations with the TI-89," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Washington,D.C., January 19-22, 2000 

• "Integrating the TI-89 Handheld CAS into the United States Military Curriculum," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, Washington,D.C., January 19-22, 2000 (with Kathleen Snook) 

• "Calculus with the TI-89," Twelfth Annual Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Dallas, TX, March17-19, 2000
  

• “Tutoring Cadets to Use the TI-89”, Center of Enhanced Performance Tutor Training Conference, West Point, NY, September 6, 2000 

• “Integrating Hand-Held CAS to Enhance Teaching and Learning in the Core Mathematics Curriculum,”  Fifth Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, Chicago, IL, September 21-24, 2000 

• “Integrating Technology To Enhance Teaching And Learning In The Core Mathematics Curriculum,” Thirteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Atlanta, GA, November 16-19, 2000 (with Kathleen Snook) 

• “Creating Calculus Mini Labs Using The TI-89 Or TI-92 Text Editor With Executable Commands,” Thirteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Atlanta, GA, November 16-19, 2000 (with Edward Connors) 

• "A Hand-Held Computer Algebra System In ODE," AMS-MAA Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, January 10-13, 2001 (with Kathleen Snook) 

• "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) 

• “Exploring Fractals,” Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, February 7, 2001 

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

• “Assessing the Effects of the TI-89 Hand-Held Computer Algebra System in a First Year Calculus Sequence”, Applications of Computer Algebra International Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico (ACA '01), May 31-June 3, 2001 

• “Handheld Technology:  A Catalyst for Student Active Learning,”Pathways to Change 2001: A Research Conference on Science and Mathematics Teaching and Learning Sponsored by STEMTEC, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, June 28, 2001(with Edward Connors) 

• “Statistics With The TI-89 Statistics Flash Application And List Editor,” Fourteenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics. Baltimore,MD November 1-4, 2001 (with Edward Connors) 
  

• “Technology in Mathematics Education: A Personal Perspective,” Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, January 7-10, 2003

• “Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation,” Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, January 7-10, 2003

• “Dynamic Geometry in College Mathematics Classes,” AMS-MAA Joint Meetings, Baltimore, MD, January 15-18, 2003

• “Investigating a Predator-Prey Model with a Computer Algebra System,” AMS-MAA Joint Meetings, Baltimore, MD, January 15-18, 2003

• “Statistics With The TI-89,” Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference  Nashville, TN, March 7-9, 2000

• “Technology in Teacher Preparation Courses,” organized and co-chaired two sessions with 25 speakers at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Phoenix, AZ January 7-10, 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.

• “Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses” at the International Technology and its Integration in Mathematics Education Symposium (TIME-2004)  at the École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, Québec, Canada , July 15-18, 2004.

• “Hand-held Technology in Pre-service Courses for Prospective Secondary School Mathematics Teachers,” Seventeenth International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, New Orleans, LA October 28-31, 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.

• “Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses,” Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, January 4-7, 2005.

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Washington, D.C., March 18-20, 2005

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, Teachers Teaching With Technology Regional Conference, Worcester, MA, October 14-15, 2005.

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics MS and HS Teacher Preparation”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Denver, CO, February 24-26, 2006.

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, Teachers Teaching With Technology Regional Conference, Springfield, MA March 31, 2006.

• “Exploring Fractals from Cantor Dust to the Fractal Skewed Web”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America, New Orleans, LA, January 5-8, 2007. 

• “Reconceptualizing Content Courses for Prospective High School Mathematics Teachers”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America, New Orleans, LA, January 5-8, 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

• “Connecting Geometry, Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Chicago, IL, March 9-11, 2007.

• “Surprising Fractals”, Basic Notions Seminar, Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, March 26, 2007. 
  

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, Jan 5-9, 2008

• “Connecting Algebra through Calculus with TI-Nspire or TI-Nspire CAS Technology”, Teachers Teaching With Technology International Conference, Dallas, TX, February 29-March 2, 2008.

• “Hand-Held Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses”, International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics, San Antonio, TX, March 6-9, 2008.

• “Modeling the Spread of a Disease”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America, Washington, D.C., January 5-8, 2009.

• “Integrating Engineering Technology into the Teaching of Mathematics”, Joint Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematical Association of America, Washington, D.C., January 5-8, 2009.

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

• "Exploring Fractals: From Cantor Dust to the Fractal Skewed Web"

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

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

• "Calculus in a Real and Complex World," Calculus Reform Workshop

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

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

• College BoardCalculator Workshop for APCalculus Teachers

      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

• TI – 82/TI - 85 Calculator Workshop

      Western New England College, May 3, 1995

• MAA Minicourse Invited Presentation – Sole Presenter

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

• Eisenhower Grant Professional Development Project

       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

• Calculus Enhanced with Computer-Algebra and Graphing Using the TI-92

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

• Calculus Enhanced with Computer-Algebra and Graphing Using the TI-89

• High School Mathematics and Science with the TI-83/84 Plus and CBL  

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

• Pre-Calculus with the TI-86 and TI-83

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

• Calculus II Enhanced with Computer-Algebra and Graphing Using the TI-89

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

• Statistics Enhanced with Computer-Algebra and Graphing Using the TI-89

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

• SecondaryMathematics Teacher Education Technology Short Course

       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

• PreCalculus and Calculus Professional Development Course
  

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

• Secondary Mathematics Teacher Technology Short Course

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Fall Semester 2004

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, Spring Semester 2005

• Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Technology Short Course

• Integrating Technology/Engineering Concepts into the Teaching of Mathematics in Middle School

• (Invited Workshop) “Exploring Mathematics with TI Nspire Technology” Institute

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

• (Invited Workshop) “High School Mathematics and Science with the TI-83/84 Plus and CBL”

Workshop, Monson, MA, September 27, 2007

• (Invited Workshop) “Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus with the TI-83/84 Plus”

Norton, MA, November 6, 2007

• College Board AP Calculus AB Workshop

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA,, November 27, 2007

• (Invited Workshop) “Integrating SMARTBoard Technology into High School Mathematics”

 Easthampton High School, Easthampton, MA, February 5, 2008

• (Invited Workshop) “Exploring High School Math With TI Nspire Technology”

Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science, Worcester, MA, June 30 - July 2, 2008

• (PV STEMNET Grant Funded Course} “Integrating Technology/Engineering into the Teaching of Middle School Mathematics”

Westfield State College, Westfield, MA, August 4-7, 11-14, September 13, October 4,
            November 22, 2008, January 17, 2009.                                   

Memberships

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

Teachers Teaching With Technology National Professional Development 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

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.   

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 Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics Teacher Licensure 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 received invitations from the National Science Foundation to read and evaluate Type 1 proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) and then served on   panels that convened in November 2006 and 2008.  She was invited participant at the First National Summit on the Advancement of Girls in Math and Science at the U.S. Department of Education on 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. 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. 

Grants/Invitations/Awards

• NSF Grant for Summer Mathematics Institute, University of Notre Dame, Summer 1965

• NSF Grant for Academic Year Mathematics Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1966-1967

• NSF Grant Summer Mathematics Institute, Georgetown University, Summer 1991

• Texas Instruments National Instructor, 1994 - Present

• Eisenhower Grant for Professional Development Project, Project Manager, "Implementation of Technology Across the Secondary Mathematics Curriculum," 1996-1997

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

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

• Adam Fellowship to develop a curriculum implementing the appropriate use of the TI-89 to teach concepts in MA 103, Discrete Dynamical Systems and Introduction to Calculus, United States Military Academy, West Point, June1999

• Dean’s Research Grant, United States Military Academy at West Point, 2000-2001

• United States of America Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Superior Civilian Service from July 1997 through June 2001 as a Mathematics Professor at The United States Military Academy at West Point

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding a Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education Short Course at Westfield Public Schools– Fall, 2002

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding to Host a Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education College Short Course at WSC– May 3, 2003

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding to Host a Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education College Short Course at WSC– Fall, 2003

• Technology in Mathematics Teacher Preparation Courses Session Chair for the 2004 Annual Joint Mathematics Meetings in Phoenix, AZ.

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding to Host a Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education College Short Course at WSC– Fall, 2004

• Texas Instruments Navigator Grant – Fall 2004

• Editorial Panel of the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics 2005 Yearbook, Technology-Supported Mathematics Learning Environments http://www.nctm.org/publications/yearbook.htm.

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding to Host a Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education College Short Course at WSC– Fall, 2005

• First National Summit on The Advancement of Girls in Math and Science, US Department of Education, Washington, D.C.,  May 15, 2006

• Texas Instruments/Ohio State Mini Grant for Funding to Host a Pre-Service Middle & High School Mathematics Teacher Education College Short Course at WSC– Fall, 2006

• Read and evaluate proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) and serve on a panel at NSF headquarters, Arlington, VA, November 2006.

• Mathematics Education Session Chair, Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI, Jan 5-9, 2008

• Chairs Travel Grant, Westfield, State College, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

• Innovative Pedagogical Initiatives (IPI) Grant, Westfield, State College, 2008

• Texas Instruments Award of 30 Nspire CAS handheld units and software valued at $4,000-Spring 2008

• Read and evaluate proposals submitted to the National Science Foundation's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) and serve on a panel at NSF headquarters, Arlington, VA, November 2008.

• Teachers Teaching With Technology National Professional Development Instructor, 1994 – Present

• College Board AP Calculus Consultant 1994- Present

Last updated: January 17, 2009

 
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