Explaining proofs: Offering understanding through notated demonstrations
Overview
We are developing an online authoring tool that allows mathematics lecturers to produce and share 'e-Proofs': interactive versions of long proofs/derivations, annotated and audio-commented to facilitate student understanding. The authoring tool will export e-Proofs in a format (or formats) suitable for uploading to an institutional VLE or repository. The development of the authoring tool builds on research and e-Proof development work that has already taken place at Loughborough’s Maths Education Centre (MEC).
Aims and objectives
The ExPOUND authoring tool will offer the lecturer the following functionality to enable the construction of an e-Proof:
- Mathematical notation editor (LaTeX-based) for writing each line
- Facility to choose, for each 'screen', which parts are to be visible or “greyed out”
- Audio file import and facility to associate a file with a screen
- Facility to add annotations to the screen, synchronising the appearance of these with the audio commentary
- ‘Playback’ control options
- Export to content package: *.zip file; the work required to export to appropriate standards (IMS CP / SCORM 1.2) will be scoped
Project methodology
The project will adopt an agile style development methodology. This will assist in the rapid development practices that the project wishes to use. These practices will ensure that the project is delivered with a high level of user input.
In addition the project will try to develop the application using a RESTful style architecture allowing for any future web service or API to be developed.
Technical development is undertaken by Nicola Wilkinson with interface design by Lee Barnett. The pedagogic lead and originator of the concept is Lara Alcock.
Anticipated outputs and outcomes
Outputs:
- ExPOUND V1.x e-Proof authoring tool
- Full technical documentation and user guides (including Captivate video tutorials)
- Project website
- At least 8 completed e-Proofs published via JORUM etc
- Recommendations for further development
Outcomes:
- Students will have access to new learning resources designed to teach skills in proof comprehension.
- Students will have the opportunity to articulate their views about what is necessary for them to understand proofs.
- An increase in shared knowledge about the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics, and the ways in which technologies might contribute to this.
Technology / Standards used
Flash / ActionScript 3 / Flex for the user interface. PHP5 with MySQL for server-side scripting. Various approaches currently being investigated for implementing necessary LaTEX functionality.
Lead Institution
Project Staff
Project Manager
Project Team