Dynamic and Interactive Mathematical Explorations With MathWright

Abstract

MathWright is an authoring system that intregrates computer algebra system based on LISP, and can be used to create dynamic and interactive mathematical books, called microworlds. A microworld can consist of any number of interactive pages that are like java applets. The microworlds can be easily put on the web maintaining the interactivity and navigation, and can be read either in internet explorer or by downloading on a computer. MathWright online library (www.mathwright.com) contains approximately seven hundred such books on vaious mathematical disciplines. I authored my mathwright books under NSF project WELCOME, first as novice developer and then as mentor developer. I have used my books as well as books by other authors in my calculus, linear algebra, modern algebra, mathematical modeling, and numerical methods classes. In this session, we will demonstrate how the microworlds can be used with web for active teaching and learning. A short demonstration for creating a microworld will also be presented for those who may want to create materials of their own. CD's containing some of the microworlds used for demonstration along with reader software will be made available.