of all the academic subjects, mathematics has possibly the broadest range of computer-related applications which can help with visualisation and greater understanding. for many teachers this is the great escape from the chalk, but for many thought it represents a serious challenge to their well established and perfectly effective teaching styles, throwing up significant training issues. some classrooms are now being fitted with data projectors, and new techniques have to be established to make the best use of them. the key is variety, maxing regular teaching strategies with occasional computer-generated images. this presentation will explore the wealth of java applets now available on the web, and the new capabilities of autograph v.3, to bring new life into the teaching of vectors, transformation, calculus and trigonometry. it will also show how dynamic 3D objects (lines, vectors, planes, shapes, and surfaces) can help students make sense of cross products and all the calculations involved in 3d intersections and shortest distances. finally, with students the world over tending to find the subject dry and uninteresting, and teachers thinking they have discovered better things to do with their lives, this paper will also try to make the point that technology can heve a role to play here in rescuing this situation. technology can help to make the subject appear more lively and relevant, and to add a sparkle to the lessons, thus making the process of teaching and learning the subject more fun, and more effectiv.