Web based learning materials with MathML and Wiris
Abstract:
The teaching of higher level mathematics in a virtual learning
environment poses some difficulties, but also opportunities, now specific to
that virtuality. It is to be expected, though, that resources and ways to
work now only available in VLEs might soon extend to all kinds of
environments.
In this short presentation we will discuss an experience carried at Universitat
Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) involving, first, the translation of LaTeX written
materials to a web based format (specifically, a combination of XHTML and
MathML), and then the integration of a symbolic calculator software (WIRIS)
running as a Java applet embedded in the materials to illustrate some of the
concepts presented in them, intending to achieve an evolution from memorising
concepts and algorithms to understanding concepts and the use of those
algorithms.