SATURDAY MORNING WORKSHOPS

9:30 am – 11:15 am

Elementary Algebraic Models in Our World: An Alternative Approach to College Algebra ROOM 245

Presenters: Jen Tyne, Bob Franzosa and Todd Zoroya

Presiders: Maureen Woolhouse

At the University of Maine, we developed Elementary Algebraic Models in Our World (MAT103) as an alternative to College Algebra with the goal of improving students’ attitudes about, and understanding of, simple algebraic models. We developed the course to provide an opportunity for a successful mathematics experience, something many MAT103 students have never had. And along with a successful mathematics experience, we want students to be able to recognize, interpret, and understand simple algebraic models that they might encounter outside the mathematics classroom.

An Activity-Based, Context-Rich Approach to Developmental Mathematics – ROOM 247

Presenter: Gary Simundza

Presider: Yoav Elinevsky

Students in developmental mathematics courses have a greater chance of succeeding if they see mathematics as relevant to their world.  The presenter has developed a context-rich, applications-based curriculum for the elementary and intermediate algebra levels.  Participants will experience a discovery approach to concept development by exploring one or more activities from the curriculum.  Both mathematical topics and pedagogical issues will be addressed.

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Web Based Homework, Quizzing, and Course Management for Mathematics – ROOM 115

Presenter: Kevin O’Brien

Presider: Ken Takvorian

During this presentation, the Addison Wesley Technology Specialist will present two web-based resources being offered with Addison Wesley math texts. These web resources would be of interest to instructors looking to offer easily accessed online homework, quizzes, practice problems, and tutorials to enhance a traditional course, as well as those teaching hybrid and online courses. Both these resources correlate directly with the scope and sequence of math texts that Addison Wesley publishes.

Mathematics, Art, and the Renaissance World – ROOM 212

Presenters: Tom Pandolfini and Joseph Delaney

Presider: Judy Carter

This presentation will address the role of mathematics in the creation of classic works of Renaissance art and architecture. The ideals and values of the Renaissance will be described, and an analysis of works of art such as da Vinci's Last Supper and Raphael's The School of Athens will be made. The mathematical principles of perspective, proportionality, and the Golden Mean will be prominently featured, and a list of related websites will be distributed. Add a little culture to your math classes!

Demonstration of Techniques for Customizing Classroom Interaction Using a Tablet Personal Computer (PC) – ROOM 240

Presenter: Lyn L. Benton

Presider: Steven Kravinsky

The Tablet PC replaces and integrates the use of both overhead projectors and PowerPoint presentations. With very little computer proficiency, an instructor is able to customize the material interactively with student participation. At the end of class a complete and permanent record is available to the students.

Content can range from traditional hand writing and drawing of equations and graphs using multi-colored pens and hi-liters to pre-defined content that can be marked up on the screen during the class.

Joining Forces for Student Success in Elementary Algebra – ROOM 204

Presenters: Mary Horan and Sally Lesik

Presider: Paul Laverty

Student success in Elementary Algebra (MATH 099) at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has improved significantly over the past five years (from 50% to 80%). Two main contributing factors that we believe have influenced this increase in success are professional development for instructors and a continuous collaboration between the Learning Center and the Department of Mathematical Sciences. We would like to share our experiences and ideas at the 2004 NEMATYC conference.

10:30 am – 11:15 am

Using Excel and the TI-83 Plus to Interpret the Central Limit Theorem – ROOM 206

Presenter: Dr. Emmett C. Dennis

Presider: Bonnie Wicklund

A simulation study will be presented to test the validity of the Central Limit Theorem using the excel spreadsheet and the TI-83 Plus. Students can visualize the results of the C.L.T. and their understanding will be enhanced.

Applying the 7 Principles of Good Undergraduate Education to Math Courses – ROOM 204

Presenter: Ted Panitz

Presider: Elaine Falcone

This session will explore how the 7 Principles of Good Undergraduate Education may be used as a basis for increasing student performance and retention in math courses, especially developmental math courses. The 7 Principles were developed by the American Association of Higher Education to serve as a guide for colleges interested in focusing their attention on students and student learning. The 7 Principles call for student centered learning including cooperation among students. To that end three cooperative learning techniques will be demonstrated during the session. They include pair-reading-explaining, pair-interviews and introductions, and round robin brainstorming. Participants will work together to develop ideas for implementing the 7 principles in their math classes. For an introduction to the 7 Principles please visit the following web site: <http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/7princip.htm>

New Online Math Technology with EduSpace, Powered by Blackboard – ROOM 115

Presenters: Leonid Tunik and Chris Hyde

Presider: Paul Laverty

Houghton Mifflin will be demonstrating new interactive online tutorial lessons for mathematics. The content of the tutorials will include text, images, interactive online activities, and examples. The tutorials will incorporate video, audio, and animation. They have been carefully authored to engage students and guide them through specific learning objectives corresponding to Houghton Mifflin math textbooks. All of the tutorials will be integrated into the new version of Houghton Mifflin’s online course platform, Eduspace, which is now powered by Blackboard.

35 Years of Unparalleled Fun – Room 202

Presenter: John Jacobs

Presider: Elaine Previte

This is my last semester and my last presentation will be a summary of the fun things encountered in the 35 years as a math teacher. Participants will be invited to tell their bad math joke provided the presenter doesn't tell it first. Prizes (I need to empty my math and poetry bookshelves) will be given to those who can answer useless trivia like when was George Washington born and what does that have to do with math?