Calculus on the Web

研究人员正在实施网络微积分(COW)，这是一个基础数学的交互式电子学习系统。它可以通过互联网从任何能够运行标准Web浏览器的平台上访问，网址为http://cartan.math.temple.edu/~cow/.该系统以模块形式提供单元，以供学习、实践和针对多门课程中各种主题的“动手”实验。COW有别于当前一代数学学习软件的一些主要特点是：(I)该系统不是一个固定的多项选择题环境，而是要求学生计算并输入一个数字或数学表达式；(Ii)该系统通过代数分析答案，并具有检测部分正确答案和创建个性化定制答案的灵活性。在目前的项目中，该系统将为微积分、微积分预科和线性代数的全面处理而开发。COW的教育目标是：1.创建一个数学技能发展和智力探索的互动平台，而不是在专业软件方面对学生进行监督和技术培训。2.提供作业、评分作业的在线版本，特别适用于没有评分员的大型或多节课程。3.在家里或任何校园工作站提供相当于数学辅导的电子服务。4.使该系统适用于当地高中的所有微积分课程，以及所有其他希望使用该系统的美国大学。5.利用现有的大学设施和互联网技术，通过一个维护成本低、使用简单的系统来实现这一切。

The investigators are implementing Calculus on the Web (COW), an interactive electronic learning system for basic mathematics. It is accessible through the internet from any platform capable of running a standard web browser, at http://cartan.math.temple.edu/~cow/. The system presents in modular form units for study, practice and "hands-on" experimentation for each of the great variety of topics in a number of courses. Some key features of COW which distinguish it from the current generation of mathematics learning software are: (i) the system is not a canned, multiple choice question environment, but requires the student to compute and enter a numerical or mathematical expression; (ii) the system algebraically analyzes answers and has the flexibility to detect partially correct responses and create individually tailored replies. For the current project, the system will be developed for a complete treatment of calculus, for precalculus and linear algebra. The educational objectives of COW are: 1. To create an interactive platform for mathematics skill development and intellectual exploration without the overhead of supervision and technical training of students in specialized software. 2. To provide an on-line version of assigned, graded homework, particularly useful for large or multi-section courses without graders. 3. To offer the electronic equivalent of mathematics tutoring, at home or any campus workstation. 4. To make the system available for all calculus classes at local high schools, and to all other US universities that wish to use it. 5. To do all this with a low maintenance, simple-to-use system exploiting existing university facilities and internet technology.