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Mathwise is an integrated learning environment for teaching undergraduate mathematics. It comprises mathematical and application modules, reference material, assessments and resource tools. These are integrated by a Courseware Management System, which handles cross referencing between the different components of the system. Mathwise modules are based on the SEFI (European Society for Engineering Education) syllabus, comprising mathematical topics taught in pre-university and first year university, together with a number of key topics in second-year university Science and Engineering courses.
Mathwise has been developed by the UK Mathematics Courseware Consortium (UKMCC), a group consisting of academic authors from over 20 UK universities. Funded by the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) Mathwise has developed 52 modules, a courseware management system (enabling individual sites to tailor Mathwise to their specific needs) and a Mathwise Authors Kit, a tool which enables academics to develop new material.
Mathwise adopted the author as implementer approach to developing courseware, where the academic expert writes and develops the module. This approach has enabled authoring skills to be disseminated throughout the academic community.
Mathwise modules have been written to a standard screen format with easy to use navigation, help instructions and resource tools. The design standards were set from the work of two earlier projects; the Apple Renaissance Project (1989-1991) and Computer Based Materials for Modern University Mathematics (1991-1993).
Modules typically comprise some five hours of student-centred learning activities; incorporating extensive interactive elements, dynamic graphical capabilities and self-assessment exercises. Mathwise provides self-paced and flexible materials, creating an active learning environment. This environment can be exploited as courseware, tutorial support or used to assist weaker students.
Mathwise materials consist of a set of learning modules each based around a topic, together with cross referencing to frequently used sub-topic materials (leaflets).
An Entry Unit provides overall management of the system, on entry the student is offered access to all the modules, leaflets and global resources present in that installation.
Modules are structured with opening screens providing relevant background material followed by the module's principal menu screen. The module interface is simple; the student initially works through a series of menus and selection lists to choose the topic of study. Once study has begun, straightforward navigation buttons are used to move between screens.
Figure 1: Screenshot from the Application to Mechanics module
The student may move without restriction through the series of screens that contain information, activities and opportunities to take temporary diversions to leaflets. There are rules to prevent the student feeling lost within the learning environment, for example, if a student moves into a leaflet they must return to the module that called the leaflet.
Cross-referencing between modules is achieved through the use of leaflets; these are short summaries or expansions of methods, definitions and examples. Leaflets are developed in association with a particular module and are made available through the user interface or indirectly via the Leaflet Browser (one of the global resources).
Mathwise modules have a degree of self-assessment (multiple-choice and structured response questions) and some have a formal Assessment Section. Mathwise assessment sections for the Pre-Calculus CD have been developed by the SUMSMAN (Scottish Universities Mathematics and Statistics across the Metropolitan Area Networks) project. Tests can be taken in one of four modes; students can select different levels of help, although marks are deducted for extra help given. The modes are:
Figure 2: Screenshot from the Complex Numbers end of module assessment
| Distribution and
Support
The software is distributed by NAG Details of costs are available on the FAQ pages.
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| Technical enquires
to :
Mathwise Response Centre
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© Copyright Please mail all comments and suggestions for this web site to Mathwise@bham.ac.uk