Tutoring Examples
Design Overview
A special mode in which user can alternate between examples and practice problems. The calculator would generate practice questions with the level of difficulty similar to the example given.
Motivation
2 experts noted that alternating between examples and practice problems helps learning.
Progress
Providing tutoring examples is an idea that is still in an early stage. We did not have a chance to further develop this idea.
Help System
Design Overview
A built-in feature within the "Math" menu that allows the user to read help content regarding a specific function.
Motivation
25 teachers expressed that calculators are too complicated to use. 9 teachers mentioned that they are not comfortable with calculators, because they don't have enough time to fully explore calculators.
5 teachers mentioned that students have trouble with long sequences of commands.
Description
To look up help content on a specific feature, the user can use the right arrow key to scroll over to the content information. |
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Progress
Providing tutoring examples is an idea that is still in an early stage. We did not have a chance to further develop this idea.
Symbol Manipulator
Design Overview
A tool that allows the user to define step-by-step operations to solve math equations.
Motivation
4 teachers would like a symbolic manipulation trainer in
a calculator.
Symbol manipulation is the fundamentals used throughout Algebra.
Description
User may perform actions to both sides or select special options from the "Options" menu (distribute, collect like terms, etc). |
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Progress
Paper prototype tested with 3 users and consulted 6 experts.
2 experts felt that we might be automating the difficult part for students.
Others felt it is a good idea, but it is difficult to help students learn
unless a cognitive tutor keeps track of progress.