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The

Project Overview

The Animation Tutor is a curriculum development project that uses software to supplement instruction in courses such as intermediate algebra. Its goal is to improve mathematical reasoning by grounding it in concrete experiences through the use of interactive animation and the virtual manipulation of objects. We have relied on research in the cognitive sciences and mathematics education to design the instruction. We are currently planning additional research based on our formative evaluations of the modules.

The project was initially funded by a three-year curriculum development grant from the National Science Foundation that began in July, 1999. It currently consists of eight modules that each require about one hour of the student's time. The modules are organized around topics such as modeling population growth, chemical kinetics (to connect math to science), and personal finance. We have conducted formative evaluations of all the modules and are now examining ways of embedding them in classroom instruction.

The project web site provides information about The Animation Tutor project including a list of the modules, demonstrations, project personnel, and publications. We welcome enquiries from faculty who would like to use the modules or obtain more information about the project. Enquires can be addressed to sreed@sunstroke.sdsu.edu.