configuring vles for mathematics
DESCRIPTION
We present how to set up VLEs to accommodate mathematics learning. We concentrate on the popular open source Moodle platform and introduce input filters to conveniently write and display mathematical formulas. Moreover, we present techniques for doing interactive math questions in Moodle. Presentation in the JTEL Summer School, 2009/06/05, Slovakia. Funded by Funded by http://www.jem-thematic.net.TRANSCRIPT
Configuring VLEs for Mathematics
Matti Pauna & Olga Caprotti
University of Helsinki
Work co-funded by the EU project JEM-Joining Educational Mathematics ECP-2005-EDU-038208
Math in virtual learning environments
!! Mathematical subject areas, e.g. physics, chemistry, and CS require correct displaying and interaction with mathematical content in learning platforms
!! e.g. for a meaningful discussion in science courses learners need to be able to write math in a convenient way
!! e.g. for a richer learning experience:
!! calculate with formulas,
!! allow answering to questions by formulas,
!! displaying graphs,
!! do animations
Mathematics on the web
Support for mathematics has been disregarded by developers of web technologies:
!! e.g. MathML, for displaying formulas in web pages, is still not supported natively by all the browsers.
!! Content management systems, and Web2.0 tools (facebook, wikis, blogs) fail to include ways for rendering formulas.
Special plugins and viewers are often required. Expert
configuration and installation of fonts is also needed.
WARNING: science on the web is largely inaccessible.
With no convenient tools for editing mathematics, writing and reading a mathematical discussion becomes cumbersome
Online mathematics discussions
VLEs and Mathematics
!! Most VLEs provide some functionalities to incorporate mathematical content and learning activities
!! Blackboard provides so called “Calculated Numeric Response” question type
!! Some VLEs are specially designed for mathematics
!! MapleTA and STACK are automated assessment systems designed specifically for training in mathematics
Example: Interactive math questions in
MapleTA
Read and Write Mathematics
in Moodle
Moodle and mathematics
http://docs.moodle.org/en/Mathematics http://moodle.org/mod/forum/view.php?id=752
Writing mathematics in Moodle
Moodle provides input filters to edit and render content in different formats, for mathematics:
1.! LaTeX notation: $$ \sqrt{x^2+x+1} - \sqrt{x^2-x-1} $$
2.! Algebra input filter, ad-hoc: @@ sqrt(x^2+x+1) - sqrt(x^2-x-1) @@
3.! WIRIS input filter, which provides a 2D JAVA editor with palettes of usual symbols. The source is MathML!
4.! ASCIIMathML, ad-hoc, renders as MathML:
`d/dxf(x)=lim_(h->0)(f(x+h)-f(x))/h`
Filter configuration
Usual way
JEM partner: DragMath
http://docs.moodle.org/en/DragMath_equation_editor
JEM partner: WIRIS input filter and editor
Collection of palettes
Palette
http://www.wiris.com
As of May 20, math plugins test package
See also http://korpelainen.net/mediawiki
TinyMCE with mathplugins
Issue: rendering Math
!! JSMath is cross-browser, uses fonts
!! LaTeX rendering via
images, does not scale well but works across devices
!! ASCIImathML is based on MathML, accessible,
require clients tweaking
The mathplugin detects MathML support and serves either MathML or an image as a fallback
Math-enabled discussions
Do mathematics
in Moodle
Tools and activities dealing with mathematics
Math experiential learning
!! Dynamic Geometry graphs:
!! GeoGebra filter
!! Cabri filter
!! Computer algebra system:
!! WIRIS CAS
!! JAVA or Flash applets
WIRIS Calculator
Math quizzes in Moodle
!! Multiple-choice
More interesting!
generate questions from templates by instantiating parameters
Calculated and algebra question types
!! Calculated question type allows to define randomized variables to be used in questions. The correct (numerical) solution depends on these values.
!! Algebra question type allows also formulas as answers. The correctness can be evaluated point-wise or with a call to the open-source SAGE symbolic manipulation package
STACK questions in Moodle
!! STACK questions can also be integrated into Moodle via the Opaque protocol
!! STACK provides rich capabilities for mathematics assessment: !! Maxima algorithms
!! partial evaluation and grading
!! different methods for evaluating the correctness of user’s answer
See Chris Sangwin’s tutorial
STACK question in Moodle
It is an open answer
Other mathematical content
!! Multimedia content is very valuable for explaining a concept or an application,
e.g.
!! movies
!! screencasts
!! videolectures
!! Quick solution with today’s technology
Conclusions
!! Limited off-the-shelf support for mathematics in browsers and web applications
!! More and more solutions to ease inclusion of
mathematics in learning platforms
!! Web standards like MathML contribute to best practice