The contribution presents an overvi

The contribution presents an overview and analysis of research results concerning the influence of Internet on mathematics
teaching and learning. The studies have been divided into categories according to their research focus. The second part focuses
on free web resources. Website functions are being discussed in comparison to textbooks from the learning process point of view.
Based on the investigation of a range of websites, the benefits and risks associated with web sites use in mathematics instruction
are stated. These include an analysis of some mathematical and didactical errors in these resources.
Keywords: Internet, mathematics teaching, learning, secondary school, web sites;
1. Introduction
Recently, the use of modern technology, particularly PCs and internet connections in schools has been increasing.
In the European Union, more than 96 % of primary and secondary schools are connected to the Internet (EC, 2006).
The increasing significance of this technology for education is testified to by the fact the Internet and its use by
pupils and teachers has become the subject of a number of studies (EC, 2006).
2. Research into Internet integration
Currently, only a few relevant studies on the impact of the Internet on teaching and learning mathematics are
available (National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008). The majority of the studies focus on university students of
other fields than mathematics. This is due to the fact that online teaching has no tradition at primary and secondary
schools.
2.1. Impact of the Internet on knowledge and skill development
Given the fact that in education the Internet was first used for university distance courses, the studies undertaken
in the late 1990s focused on the results of students whose distance education was supported by the Internet. First
such studies include Wegner et al. (1999). This two-semester study compared the results of students (practising

* Corresponding Author: Jarmila Robová. Tel.: +4-202-219-13355
E-mail address: jarmila.robova@mff.cuni.cz
Available online at www.sciencedirect.com
© 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Selection and peer review under responsibility of Prof. Dr. Ferhan Odabaşı