Interactive Mathematics, Plymouth
The University of Plymouth will
contribute a set of interactive packages to the PPLATO Project.
These packages are designed to support student learning of mathematics.
They complement the other PPLATO materials and can be used in combination with
them.
The packages will include
assorted aspects of introductory algebraic techniques, including fractions,
inequalities and manipulating and solving simple equations, as well as some
simple geometry and trigonometry. There will also be some introductory calculus
and a treatment of vectors and matrices. As well as these new files, we are
including a set of nine previously constructed packages which are already in use
at Plymouth.
The files are particularly easy
to use and feature professional quality mathematical typesetting. This last
feature is of great importance for many students who find formulae difficult to
read. Our ability to produce such files was gained through our research
activities which have given us expertise in TeX, the world standard software for
typesetting mathematics. We also
have extensive experience of using the LaTeX macro collection (a variant of TeX)
which can be used to produce PDF (portable document format) files that are
easily posted on the web. These PDF files can then be opened with the freely
available Adobe Acrobat Reader and the output is easily read. The files produced
include features such as active links within the document, questions and
quizzes.
The packages can be used by
students without the need to purchase software or hardware. These files may be
accessed from any PC linked to the web or they may be downloaded and then worked
on at home.
Although our packages will be
put on the PPLATO web site, they will also be available via
http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/maths/resources/PDFLaTeX/mathaid.html
where our previous packages may be found. Copies of
our original LaTeX files are available on request. These files use the AcroTeX Education Bundle developed by D.P. Storey, a
link to which is on our page.
There are a selection of tutorials aimed at foundation or year one level available
for download below. NB all files are less than 250KB.
Dimensional
Analysis tutorial for analysis of scientific equations.
Inequalities
tutorial for basic competence.
Simultaneous
equations tutorial.
Units
tutorial on uses and applications in science.
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staff
The Team
