Implementation of the Kid Krypto Concept: Computer Assisted Teaching of Number Theory and Cryptography

I wish to start by briefly outlining a conceptual framework for my views on the didactical efficiency of computer assisted methods in teaching mathematics. According to David Mumford [9 p199] mathematics is “the study of mental objects with reproducible properties”.

Learning mathematics has at least two intertwined aspects:

• Interiorisation of other people’s mental objects.
• The development of the reproduction technique for your own mental objects.

Assessment of software for teaching and learning mathematics should addressthese two issues interiorisation and reproduction.