Abstract
The work under this grant will develop a complete WebWork precalculus problem database so that the Mathematics Department can officially add Precalculus to the sequence of courses that offer WeBWorK as their delivery system for homework. The technology of an interactive online homework system has been effective in a single M140 Precalculus section, but is limited by the low number of problems available. Assessment will include analysis of student performance and attitudinal data collected in Fall 2002/Spring 2003. WebWork technology will be introduced into the M140 classroom via in-class computer demonstrations that will improve and enhance the incorporation and teaching via this pedagogical technology.
This grant builds on past grants (Space Grant Summer 2000 and Strategic Planning Initiative Summer 2001 received by John Williams and Ben Pollina to install, administer and build a Calculus I & II database for WebWork.) and will act as a catalyst for further development of WebWork as our department works to expand this online system. WebWork is fully established in Calculus I & II and there is existing technology of smart classrooms in Dana Hall. In addition, the faculty is committed to expanding the use of WebWork through the entire calculus course sequence.
Specific goals are to write a library of WebWork problems for M140 Precalculus, analyze assessment data from Fall 2002/Spring 2003/Fall 2003 courses, and write a paper describing the assessment results.