MathThread: Distance Learning and Outside-of-Class Collaboration for Math

Suny At Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY

Investigators

Abstract

The primary objective of this project is to develop adequate communication tools within mathematics courses delivered by web-based distance learning technologies. Web-environments for distance learning college courses do not provide basic communication tools for math courses. Also in face-to-face math courses, commuter students especially, need to collaborate outside of class. Assessment of distance math instructors indicates they wish to create/edit math notation, conceptual diagrams and graphs directly in online postings. The goals of this project are: 1) Provide math instructors and students with direct creation/editing of math notation, conceptual drawings and graphs in online postings. 2) Adapt existing web-based and face-to-face college math courses to include basic communication tools for math. 3) Provide faculty development/support for re-design of distance ed. math courses. 4) Research more natural/diagrammatic math communication and math learning. 5) Spread basic math distance ed. communication tools.