The importance of variation in the concept of function: a case of exploration through the use of technology

Abstract

This study presents a proposal to introduce the concept of real function at the higher level, through an Interactive Computer Teaching Scenario (EDIC) designed under a didactic framework and a specific digital technology. To introduce the concept of function emphasizes the process of variation and the importance of associated concepts such as: roots, domain, and rank. The literature mentions the degree of difficulty in teaching and learning the concept of function and the student’s lack of ability to perform processes of modeling phenomena that involve real functions; Therefore, in order to facilitate the understanding of this concept, it is sought to promote in the students a functional thinking through didactic activities through a problem that simulates a real situation until arriving at the modeling and the algebraic expression of the function, a solution is explored using the different registers representing a mathematical concept, and reflect on the results that give meaning to the real problem. The experience is carried out with a group of 45 students from the Computer Engineering career at the Centro Universitario UAEM Valle de Chalco, analyzing the degree of acceptance of the EDIC, the level of conceptual change regarding the concept of function and its use in contexts for model real situations.