Can the notion of affordances be of use in the design of a technology enriched mathematics curriculum

Abstract

The term affordances is rising in prominence in scholarly literature in mathematics education generally and in technology in mathematics education in particular. A proliferation of different uses and meanings is evident. The roots and use of the term and some of its applications are explored in order to clarify its many meanings. Its potential usefulness for developing a framework for a new research project which aims to enhance mathematics achievement and engagement at the secondary level by using technology to support real world problem solving and lessons of high cognitive demand is investigated.