MA255 Content
The module starts proper in Week 2, but there will be an organisational meeting at 10am on Tuesday 1st October in R1.15. Anyone wishing to take this module must attend that session or email the lecturer to explain why they can't make it.
Week 2 onwards the sessions are Tuesdays 9:00-11:00 in R1.15 and Fridays 12:00-13:00 in R0.12 (Ramphal Building)
Content: This module is designed to be an innovative, hands-on exploration of effective ways to disseminate mathematics through the web, the topics below will not necessarily be covered in the same order as presented, but give an idea of the topics to be discussed. Students taking this module will need to be prepared to contribute fully to the two hour seminars, and to be confident to share ideas with other students on the module through online media. Part of the final credit will be based on this participation. The final project, worth 50% of the overall mark, will be worked on during Term 2 and will be an online standalone presentation/tutorial aimed at either undergraduates, gifted children or a "public understanding of science" offering.
A large part of the module is learning and exploring basic web based solutions in a collabrative environment so this module is not very suitable for people with, for example. advanced experience of web page design.
Mac/Linux users welcome, although Windows will be the OS of choice due to University systems.
Students will be expected to keep a personal blog on the module webpage to reflect and discuss ideas with other students, and contribute to an ongoing Wiki sharing good (and bad) case studies as the module progresses. In-class tasks which will count towards the final credit will largely be group based so a willingness to collaborate on timed tasks (and have fun doing it) is essential!
Topics to be covered/explored will include:
- Knowing your audience
- Simple web page design using HTML
- The University's "SiteBuilder" interface (web pages, quizzes etc.) and Moodle
- Putting maths into web pages: (very) basic LaTeX and how to display maths on the web
- Blogs, Wikis and Forums: pros and cons
- Podcasts and screen captures
- Mathematics in Virtual Worlds
The module is likely to be hard work, but last year it was also a lot of fun! For 2012/13 the module recieved some funding and support from IATL, the University's Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning.