Introduction
1. In this module…
We will overview the format and structure of the Mathlet modules, then describe the content and objectives of this course followed by an introductory video. Afterwards, we will cover how the exercises work and how to access the Mathlets.
- Download Introduction Slides [ PDF, 1.2MB ]
- Watch Introduction to the MIT Mathlets Short Course Video
Resources:
- About the MIT Mathlets
- Gallery of Educational Innovation: Mathlets
- Video: D’Arbeloff Interactive Mathematics Project Overview with Prof. Miller
2. Overview of Online Module Content
During each Module of Mathlets: An Introduction, you will watch recorded lectures, and have the opportunity to practice with activities and exercises. All of the resources required for this interaction are provided as text, embedded videos, and links within the Module online course pages.
The activities incorporated into our Modules are designed to extend your learning experience. For these activities to be successful, it is very important that each of you complete module activities and exercises. The module content is designed to prepare you for the exercises that will extend our conversation regarding the use of Mathlets in the classroom.
The content for each of the modules will consist of the following:
- Module Description
- In this session…
- Learning Objectives
- Segment 1 Content
- Segment 2 Content
- Post-Module Activity
3. Course Learning Objectives
After completing this short course, the participant will be able to
- Access and explore the MIT Mathlet collection.
- Integrate the Mathlets into their lectures.
- Provide instructions for the use of the Mathlets in student group work.
- Write homework centered on one or another of the Mathlets.
4. Mathlets Introduction and Course Overview
I’m Professor Haynes Miller, my team and I developed MIT Mathlets (www.mathlets.org), which are flexible software tools designed to connect mathematical application and theory, and a pedagogy of use to help students better understand topics in mathematics.
The collection of Mathlets will be the focus of our discussion regarding the integration of technology into your course content. Mathlets can be embedded into many syllabi, but how they are to be used needs to be carefully evaluated and individually determined based on the specific course context. Mathlets are very easy for students to use, but using them in lecture and designing activities around them takes careful thought and preparation.
This self-paced short course will provide participants with the expertise needed to integrate Mathlets and the pedagogy surrounding them in their own teaching. Participants will examine what Mathlets are and how they can be used in lectures for demonstrations, as part of group exploration and as the basis for homework assignments.
5. Introductory Video
Let us get started! Watch this Introductory Video to introduce you to the course and the Mathlets website. I will also review some important course information regarding the course content and structure.
Transcript [ PDF ]
6. Exercises and Activities
Throughout this course, the module Exercises are designed to give you practice at integrating Mathlets into your own teaching. Please remember that all of the exercises and activities incorporated into this course are designed to extend your learning experience. For these activities to be successful, it is very important that you do them.
Activity
To ensure that you are prepared to begin working with the Mathlets, please navigate to the MIT Mathlets page. Once on the page select one of the Mathlets to run in the browser. If you experience difficulties running the Mathlet, please verify that you have Javascript enabled in your browser.
These materials are Copyright © 2013, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and unless otherwise specified are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license.
