This site consists of a collection of java applets in math, science and technology. The individual applets are contributed by a variety of authors. MSTE is a division of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Type of Material:
Interactive java applets.
Recommended Uses:
Useful as supplemental material to accompany explanations of concepts but probably not as a stand-alone source.
Technical Requirements:
Java enabled browser. The individual applets and authors seem to have differing requirements. Some applets ran on older MAC browsers and others did not.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The quoted goal of MSTE is to serve as a model-builder for innovative, standards-based, technology-intensive mathematics and science instruction at the K-16 levels.
Target Student Population:
K-16 students. The majority of applets are for middle school and high school; some could be used for entry-level college classes.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Appropriate arithmetic, geometry or algebra course. Some familiarity with applets ? interface is somewhat obscure.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The main page of this site contains an alphabetical list of 66 applets that are a mixture of math, science and technology. The math material includes several statistics examples. The following examples give a flavor of what is available on this site: Arbitrary Precision Calculator that allows display adjustment from 1 to 25 decimal places for simple arithmetic. Best Fit Line allows visual creation of a line and then compares with the calculated best fit. Algebra equations for both are included. Counting Activity practices simple addition and allows three attempts before showing the correct answer. Estimation of Pi has instructions and a simulation that provides an attractive visual estimate using area of square and inscribed circle using an adjustable number of points. Generating Pythagorean Triples has a description and related links. It automatically generates triples. Magic Squares allows placement of numbers in a square and provides the row and column totals. Monty?s dilemma is a nice simulation of the classic 3 door problem that includes explanation and instructions. It also allows for a larger number of doors. Pythagorean Theorem shows construction of circles and regular polygons on the sides of a right triangle and explains generalizations of Pythagoras Theorem.
Concerns:
The applets are not identified as math, science or technology but simply by title. Since this is a collection from different authors, content, style and technical requirements vary from applet to applet. The following are concerns regarding the specific applets mentioned above: Arbitrary Precision Calculator has no instructions or explanations. Best Fit Line has no explanations of background math. Counting Activity has no instructions. The applet may not have been running correctly. Generating Pythagorean Triples does not have much interaction and the display did not function correctly. Magic Squares has no instructions or explanations. Monty?s Dilemma did not run on an older MAC. Not all constructions displayed correctly on an older MAC.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Some unusual applications are available here that could be used as effective enrichment material with appropriate teacher guidance.
Concerns:
The material would need additional teacher explanations to be useful for most students at this level of content and is general not self supporting.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applets are generally simple and un cluttered with a strong visual effect.
Concerns:
The level of instructions or background explanations varies considerably from applet to applet. Similarly variable are the technical requirements and corresponding ability to run the material on a variety of systems.
Creative Commons:
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