Wolfram|Alpha's Impact on Math Education

The "computational knowledge engine" Wolfram|Alpha provides much of the functionality of a computer algebra system (CAS) for free to the general public. This makes some sense since the service is provided by Wolfram Research, the makers of the CAS Mathematica.

Upon its release last month, W|A stirred interest among mathematics educators since it can handle many of the computational tasks we math educators ask of our students in secondary and undergraduate mathematics courses.  What are the implications of easy student access to W|A in and out of the classroom?  A few of us interested in exploring this question have set up a wiki, Walpha Wiki, to collaborate in doing so.

On the wiki, you'll find examples of how W|A can handle or help with handling common problems asked of students in non-major math courses.  You also find a summary of a recent online discussion among several math educators regarding this topic.

If you're a math educator, you're invited to use and contribute to the wiki.  If you're in other STEM fields, W|A might impact your courses, too. You're welcome to join the discussion at the wiki or contact me directly.