Use of Technology in Mathematics
Ancient mathematicians could devote much time to solving mathematical problems because first the pace of life was much slower, and secondly because they had to perform all numerical calculations on paper (or with the help of an abacus). Nowadays, on the other hand, mathematicians can perform much more calculations with the help of technology. Contemporary scholars have so got used to use of technology, that it is nearly impossible to imagine a mathematician, physician, statistician, or other math-related scientist working without the help of computers and special software. Generally, technology has become an inseparable part of mathematical practice, research, teaching, and learning. 
Devices like simple and scientific calculators, personal computers, handhelds, and many other have revolutionized the practice, teaching, and learning of mathematics. These instruments help people to collect, record, organize, and analyze numerical mathematical data. Moreover, nowadays there are many special computer applications that provide very fast and accurate computations, and even draw corresponding graphs and tables. Having such powerful tools at hand, scholars and students can significantly increase the extend of their mathematical research, learn new concepts with a new interactive approach, and perform much more mathematical calculations and solve more mathematical problems.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics understands the importance of modern technologies as well. In their Principles of School Mathematics they have listed six principles, one of which is totally devoted to technology. “Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances student learning,” (NCTM 2004). Moreover, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics states that the education system in the United States must be organized in such a way that every student learning any mathematics subject should have an “access to technology to facilitate his or her mathematics learning” (NCTM). Not only the use of technology in classrooms expedites the process of solving problems and learning, but it also makes mathematics much more interesting and easy learning as compared to more traditional methods. In addition, the use of technology in crucial to students with disabilities and special needs. Those who have physical challenges can learn the material and “become more engaged in mathematics using special technologies” (NCTM). But one should note that a computer or a calculator cannot substitute a real human teacher, rather it can only assist both the student and the professor.
Businesses too benefit much from the use of technology in their various mathematical calculations. Operations and production management, statistical and probability analysis, economic reports, - all these and many more have become more efficient and accurate with the help of calculators and special software applications. Programs like Excel, Mathematica, Maple, MatLab assist millions of businesspeople all over the world to perform statistical inferences, determine probability of events, make important business decisions under uncertainty, assess financial health of companies, and much more (CT4ME 2005). All of these operations are directly linked with mathematics. 
Ultimately, modern technologies have become inseparable parts of learning, teaching, and practicing mathematics. Professors and students use various electronic devices to broaden the range of material covered in classes. With the help of calculators and computers with specific applications they also delve deeper into separate subjects of math. Technology has also changed the way disabled and physically challenged students learn math. Generally, the use of technology has become a standard, and with it mathematics has become a much more interesting science. In addition, just like students and teachers, businesspeople are also utilizing modern technologies in their business routines, determining best decisions, performing statistical analysis, and assessing economic situations. This way, the use of technology is crucial in mathematical calculations in today’s world.
Bibliography
1.	Technology Integration. (2005). Computing Technology for Math Excellence (CT4ME). Web-site: http://www.ct4me.net/ technology_integr.htm
2.	The Technology Principle. (2004). Principles and Standard for School Mathematics. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Web-site: http://standards.nctm.org/ document/chapter2/techn.htm
3.	The Use of Technology in the Learning and Teaching of Mathematics. (2005). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Web-site: http://www.nctm.org/about/ position_statements/position_statement_13.htm
4.	Garofalo, J. and Drier, H. (2000). Promoting Appropriate Uses of Technology in Mathematics Teachers Preparation. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education. Web-site: http://www.citejournal.org/vol1/iss1/currentissues/ mathematics/article1.htm