Implementation Of An Online Multimedia Collaborative Linear Algebra Tutoring System
Carlos R. Morales · 2020
Few courses undertaken by students in their first two years of engineering education are as abstract as linear algebra.The content is not only critical for future success, but considerably difficult at the same time, because most students are unfamiliar with abstract mathematical concepts at that point in their lives.Many courses around the nation augment their traditional instruction by exposing their students to computer algebra systems (CAS) such as MatLab, Mathematica, MathCad, Maple, etc.While these tools are great for analysis, they are not designed to be primary instructional tools.These tools favor those students that have a stronger theoretical understanding of the concepts, but do little to help them develop a better understanding of these.The author presents the development of an online multimedia collaboration tool that actively teaches the students basic linear algebra concepts.The system utilizes non-linear broadcast quality video and interactive 3D graphics in a multi-user environment.A pseudo intelligent mechanism analyzes the learner's choices and modifies instructional delivery based on a predetermined instructional-objectives map.The system in not meant to replace classroom instruction or utilization of computational CAS systems.Its primary purpose is to provide supplemental tutoring aid while fostering visualization skills in the learner.