Can the usage of JAVA applets and web resources replace

today’s textbooks and exams?

Smitha Sriram(sriram1@uiuc.edu)

Goals

• Use of interactive JAVA applets for better understanding of various concepts in Pre-Calculus

• Increased student involvement and interest in Math

• Preparation of lab sheets that will create an inquiry based study environment

• Use of textbook merely as a reference.

The Textbook used

• This is currently the textbook used. It is very comprehensive and covers a lot of basics that the students will need to know.

CBL activity – In class Lab

• The image shows an example of how the JAVA applet can be used for the study of functions, line graphs, slope, the derivative, and basic motion concepts. http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/murphy/MovingMan/MovingMan.html

Reflect on known concepts

• Some websites help the students in revising what they have already learnt. And some websites help them enhance their current knowledge

More than the syllabus

• Sometimes, these websites can be used by students who are interested in the material more than what is necessary to fulfill the curriculum requirements. This graphs investigates the following logarithmic property:

LogM + LogN = Log MN

Laboratory Sheets

• Lab sheets are prepared to use the web site to its full potential. They will include questions that ensure student understanding of the topic.

Investigate

• Also some questions at the end of the lab sheet should help them think more deeply on what is taught in class.

http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/users/dildine/js/dice/3dicetri.html

Create their own sheets

• Asking the students to create their own lab sheets increases their involvement and enthusiasm. It also helps them set their learning goals.

Future goals

• Involvement of the high school students in designing the lab sheets and evaluation of the educational websites.

• Use of http://www.blackboard.unl.edu more intensively to store web site addresses in an organized manner, student interaction and communication.

• Preparation of lab sheet for every relevant and useful URL found.

• Development of math specific web search engines

References

• Mr. Gregory Hill @ Hinsdale Central High school• Pre Calculus text book• http://www.mste.uiuc.edu• http://www.gomath.com• http://www.students.uiuc.edu/~sriram1/GK-12• http://www.sprintbiz.com/icc/app/sim/ (For

Online chat session with high school teacher)

THANK YOU !