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Session 3668

Using Web-based Instruction to Aid in Term Identification or “Where did that term come from?”

Eric Bell Triton College

Abstract

One of the applications of web and browser-based instruction is the presentation of sample problems and their solutions. A concern with any presentation is that the information which can be presented is limited. Part of the learning process involves the identification of terms appearing in an equation. Some students have little difficulty identifying the source for a term, while others require more detailed assistance. Creating and presenting a single linear explanation can overwhelm the student having difficulty, and bore the student who grasps the terms more readily. A more reasonable approach involves the student passing the pointer over the term for a hint, and clicking for a more complete explanation. This paper describes a simple and effective method for presenting the source of terms within an equation using browser-based tools that addresses the need of both types of students. It also describes a solution method that can only be provided by web-based instruction. Engineering Statics problems and their HTML code are presented as examples of this method.

Introduction

A common sight in the classroom is for the instructor to write an equation describing a situation that can be seen in an accompanying diagram. The instructor has, through years of experience, the ability to clearly visualize vectors and their components, and then write mathematical terms that describes them unambiguously. Students, though, do not yet have that experience, and therefore that ability. The instructor is usually presenting the term as a small part of the total solution. Students may be struggling with each term.

Description

The illustration below shows a sample problem and some of the lines that are displayed as part of the explanation.

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Bell, E. (2000, June), Using Web Based Instruction To Aid In Term Identification Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8824