WWU's Eric Kean to present research on interactive math website May 4

As part of a series of discussions held by Western Washington University’s Teaching-Learning Academy, WWU senior instructor of Mathematics Eric Kean will be giving two presentations on his ongoing project http://www.MyAlgebraBook.com at noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, in the Canada House on WWU’s campus.

Kean’s online book, once it is complete, will be an interactive, intermediate algebra website that allows students to take an active part in the learning process. Students are continually asked questions aimed at helping them "own the ideas." Students also can explore graphical concepts through a series of graphing tools and learn from their mistakes with ungraded second attempts at submitted homework problems.

Instructors can dynamically adjust the text with specific points relevant to concepts they wish to address in their particular courses, and instructors can upload their own homework questions to the system creating the possibility for an extremely diverse set of assignments.

In the second part of the presentation, the audience will break into smaller groups and discuss the concept of interactivity in learning and what it means. The presentation will be videotaped to show those who attend the TLA discussion on Thursday, May 5.

For more information contact Carmen Werder, WWU’s Teaching-Learning Academy director, at (360) 650-4329 or carmen.werder@wwu.edu.