Diagnosing and correcting student's misconceptions in an educational computer algebra system

  • Authors:
  • Neven Jurkovic

  • Affiliations:
  • Palo Alto College, San Antonio, TX

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 2001 international symposium on Symbolic and algebraic computation
  • Year:
  • 2001

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Abstract

Using powerful Computer Algebra programs for mathematics education has been steadily gaining popularity, regardless of inherent user-unfriendliness exhibited by such systems. Algebrator [4, 5] is a CAS specifically designed to teach high-school algebra. Despite its limited domain (or may be because of it), it has proven to be useful to students requiring mastery of basic algebra skills. Algebrator's CA engine is but a small part of the whole system; larger portion of it deals with the way in which the system as an electronic tutor engages the student in the learning process. In this paper we will focus on Algebrator's error diagnostic capability and teacher-directed generation of appropriate remedial tutoring sessions.