On the behalf of the Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and members of the International Program Committee of the ATCM conference, we are delighted and honoured to have this opportunity to introduce the papers of the ATCM 2008 - "Enhancing Understanding and Constructing Knowledge in Mathematics with Technology". Since ATCM aim is to do just this, there could not be a more appropriate theme for our meeting.
We are fortunate to have presenters from a wide spectrum of scientists and educators, whose presentations and workshops will demonstrate the most current trends in technology for mathematics and mathematics with technology. It is particularly wonderful to have so many participants from South East Asia, and in particular from Thailand. Presented here papers address a very wide spectrum of topics and ideas. We can find here papers concentrating on using computer software in teaching mathematics, papers on using Internet and other tools for online mathematics courses delivery, as well as research papers from pure mathematics where technology was used to produce some new results.
Large part of this book, as well as the conference presentations, is devoted directly to teaching mathematics with the use of Dynamic Geometry tools and Computer Algebra Systems. It is in particular very important to notice how fast things are changing in educational technology. Quite often computer programs that we used for years in teaching mathematics disappear in a matter of weeks and new tools come in a matter of years. All these transformations and transitions make life of teachers of mathematics quite difficult. In this conference we will find a few new developments in technology for mathematics. Some of them are completely new and hot, some other are great and important features added to a well known software. We welcome you all to learn from the authors, get in touch with the newest technology developments and experiment with technology tools during ATCM workshops. We wish you happy hunting for new ideas, solutions, and great personal contacts.
We would like to express our appreciation to the local organizers, in particular to the Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology for the enormous task of planning and preparation of ATCM 2008 -- the most enjoyable conference in Asia. We thank also the members of the International Program Committee and external reviewers for their great contribution in reviewing papers.
Editors of ATCM 2008