Mathematical Modeling

What is a microworld?
A microworld is a term coined at the MIT Media Lab Learning and Common Sense Group.  The lab defined a microworld as, literally, a tiny world inside which a student can explore alternatives, test hypotheses, and discover facts that are true about the world.  It differs from a simulation in that the student is encouraged to think about it as a "real" world, and not simply as a simulation of another world.


Information obtained from, Using Technology in the Classroom by Gary G. Bitter and Jane M. Legacy

Games and Virtual Environments

How can teachers use games with their students?

Gaming in the classrom will continue to grow and will become an intregal part of everyday classroom tools.  Teachers can use educational games such as:

• repetitive drill and practice
• simulation
• tutorials
• content instruction

Educational games involve:

• solving equations
• scoring points
• solving mysteries
• guessing words
• enduring iterations
• solving puzzles
• handling sophisticated problem solving situations with rules, commpetitions, adventures, and fantasy situations.

Emerging and Assistive Technologies and the Future

What will the future student computer look like?

• The future student's personal computer will be a palmtop or tablet device with wireless Internet access, software programs, input devices, and many mathematical capabilities.  The student palmtop will have a calculator, graphing capabilities, productivity tools for word processing and spreadsheets, geometry construction tools, simulations, algebra systems, and intelligent tutor capabilities.  The computer will start instantly.  It also will be able to adapt to the user's interests and abilities and may even talk to him or her.  The wireless device will have a touch screen option like a magic slate, allowing students to input or write without a keyboard.  Battery life will be weeks.