MathDisk @ BEXCO, Busan, South Korea (2013)

Application of progressive discovery as a teaching aid using MathDisk - Presented by Dr Ajit Kumar (ICT,India ) and Sharfudeen Ashraf (Founder MathDisk) at Asian Mathematical Conference South Korea

Abstract

The pedagogical benefits of using computer aided dynamic geometry software in classrooms are well understood among educators. MathDisk, the latest entrant into this foray, has all the essential aspects one could expect from interactive mathematical software. MathDisk goes beyond the conventional feature set which defines this class of software and implements proven learning techniques found in other disciplines. One such technique in MathDisk called “Progressive Discovery” is a concept found extensively in user interface design to improve the readability and usability of software. 

Progressive discovery (or disclosure) is an information presentation pattern, where the focus of the audience is centered on one point at a time eliminating wordiness or overwhelming and distracting information. MathDisk provides a simple and systematic approach for applying this concept into mathematical presentations. Using this principle, a certain part of given Mathematical model is displayed or animated before revealing the entire model. This approach of progressively disclosing the model not only demystifies complex concepts, but by highlighting basic constructs it also reinforces that the underlying concepts behind many advanced topics are essentially the interplay of the same fundamental mathematical operations.

In this paper we have  illustrated this concept using couple of examples in 2D and 3D. The paper also provides a brief overview of the tools available within MathDisk to achieve progressive discovery and how to effectively apply this as a teaching aid.

http://www.kms.or.kr/kms/AMC2013/program.html 

Logic / Foundations / History of Mathematics / Mathematic Education (Classification: 97N80)

Dr Ajit Kumar (ICT)

Examples

Live online Example-1 (Nine Point Circle)

Live online Example-2 (system of Linear Equations)