Topic: Has technology made mathematical skills less important, or has it opened up new possibilities for mathematical exploration and problem-solving?
Event Overview
Category: Group D – Confabulors (Debate)
This debate focuses on the role of technology in modern mathematics. Participants will explore whether technological advancements have diminished the importance of foundational math skills or expanded opportunities for problem-solving and innovation.
Event Format
- Selection Round:
- Duration: 3 minutes
- Participants must present their stance on the topic (either for or against). This will be determined after the online registration of their school.
- Final Round:
- Duration: 2½ minutes (1½ minutes for the speech and 1 minute for refutation)
- This round will be extempore. Participants will receive their topic 45 minutes prior to the final round and must argue their point in the given time.
Rules & Guidelines
- The event consists of two rounds: a Selection Round and a Final Round.
- Teams will be notified whether they should argue for or against the topic in the Selection Round post-registration.
- Only one speaker per team will represent their school.
- Participants must speak for 3 minutes during the Selection Round, summarizing their arguments within the time limit.
- 15 participants will move to the Final Round, where the topic will be extempore.
- In the Final Round, participants will have 1½ minutes to present their speech, followed by 1 minute for refutation.
- The decision of the organizers will be final.
Judging Criteria
Participants will be judged in both rounds on the following basis:
- Content – 15 points
- Expression – 10 points
- Diction & Articulation – 10 points
- Refutation – 10 points
- Time Management – 5 points
Total: 50 points
This event is a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion on the evolving role of technology in mathematics. Do you think technology has simplified math, or has it unlocked new dimensions of mathematical understanding? Share your thoughts at the debate!