Abstract: We show, starting from some examples in Maple drawn from our
teaching these last two years in first and second year DEUG in Lyon-I
University and in Preparatory Classes (Math. Sup. and Math. Spé.) in the
Lycee du Parc and Lycee of la-Martinière-Montplaisir, how computer algebra
can be integrated in, and how it can change our relation to, the teaching of
mathematics. We start by examining some common prejudices on the use of
Maple. Then we approach various applications, elementary but rich in
teaching (nature of the layout of a curve and study of the Fibonacci serie)
while insisting on the necessity of an understanding of the working
procedure of computer algebra ("black box" factorization). Then we analyze
some fundamental differences which exist in the field of the lexicon between
a low-level language and computer algebra. Finally we highlight, thanks to
magic matrices exeample, the heuristic interest of formal approach. In
appendix, we develop two more complex examples from the technical point of
view, such as a problem of factorization and the fractal superinterpretation
of Conway's commentaries.