The use of microcomputers in mathematics teaching in Fiji

At the end of 1983 the Ministry of Education in Fiji informed schools that computers would be introduced in 1984. In February 1984 some selected schools received the first microcomputers. At a Conference on Computers in the Classroom, held in August 1984 at the University of the South Pacific. the Head of Mathematics at a senior secondary school said, in a paper presented at the conference: 'while there may have been some pre-planning at headquarters level it seems that no arrangement was made with individual schools.’ Amongst the problems highlighted in the paper by the Head of Mathematics was: 'the difficulty in deciding on a suitable type programme to offer to the students.' This thesis primarily concerns the application of microcomputers in teaching mathematics in Fiji. The author's experience shows that teachers in Fiji are aware of the need to respond to the microcomputer technology but this response is restricted due to the almost total lack of staff with even a basic knowledge of computers. [Continues.]