Xmath

Supported by the EU Minerva action

Xmath. Designing a framework for mathematical and scientific e-learning using XML, with emphasize on the evaluation of pedagogical methods.

The project Xmath will demonstrate and evaluate brand-new technology used to describe mathematics on the Internet. Until now this has in fact not been possible. By using the new standard for describing web-pages XML, it will possible to include REAL mathematics, and not only frozen images, on a web site. Mathematical symbols and operators may now act as real symbols and operators and may be evaluated and "played with" on site. Mathematics has a negative development at universities and colleges: the number of students in mathematical courses and the number passing the exams are "dangerous low".

To meet this challenge the teaching of mathematics has to undergo an innovative process where new technolgy is important. It wil also be important to use this kind of technology in an educational aspect to prevent sharp distinctions between girls and boys using ITC and to promote activity, independence, collaboration and a positive attitude. XML will give new possiblities in designing interactive and event-driven objects in mathematical education. This will do the teaching more efficient, dircet and allow a explorative and personal way of working. The framework will include virtual rooms for communication ("The Course Café"). It will important to deal with the main problem of distance education: exactness and unabiguousness in electronic communication. The use of XML will , for the first time, make it possible to use mathematical symbols, operators and shapes in chat and news and in this way contribute to such an exactness. A pedagogical method of using small groups in connection with e-communication will be tested and evaluated and also evaluation of using interactive objects and non-linear ways of working will be emphasized.