2002 North Shore Community College Danvers, Massachusetts

NEMATYC 2002 was held at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts, on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, 2002. This was the 28th Annual Meeting. Vice president was Bernice Bowdoin of Bristol Community College, and the Conference Chairperson was Judy Carter of North Shore Community College. Besides a great program other events enjoyed by the participants included the following. Friday Evening Dinner at Jake's Grill Philip Mahler, AMATYC President and Jack Keating, AMATYC Northeast Vice President, spoke briefly at the dinner Phil Mahler received a NEMATYC Distinguished Service Award Saturday After-Lunch Speaker Dr. James Tattersall, Providence College spoke about the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge University Judy Carter North Shore Community College NEMATYC 2002 Chair

NEMATYC Treasurer's Report 4/06/02 Bank Account Balance, March 15, 2001 $6452.94 INCOME: Interest 147.25 Membership 50.00 AMATYC Support 200.00 NEMATYC 2001 Profit 3153.61 $3550.86 EXPENSES: Newsletter expenses 674.77 Executive Board Meeting 82.00 Taxes on Interest 35.84 US Treasury (Exempt Organization Fee) 150.00 AMATYC Hospitality Sponsor 200.00 AMATYC support for NEMATYC president 250.00 $1392.61 Bank Account Balance, March 15, 2002 $8611.19 Respectfully submitted, Lois A. Martin Treasurer

Program

1. Probability Logic: An Alternative Approach of the Bayes' Rule
   Dr. Eiki Satake and Dr. Philip Amato, Emerson College
   The main purpose of this presentation is to calculate the conditional probabilities of several compound events by means of the mathematical logic truth table. It is important to note that we can be right or wrong not only about truth, but also about probability. That is because how you weigh probabilities determines how you act, and whether we act "rightly" or "wrongly" determines whether we get what we want.
2. Tutoring Lab Models
   Jeannette Ferris, Sally Cohen, Donna Mealey, Sharyn Sweeney, North Shore Community College
   NSCC has five tutoring centers on three campuses. There are four tutor coordinators operating the centers. We will present information showing how the diverse campus needs are met with cooperation and coordination. Information about tutoring options and creativity in light of cutbacks will be included.
3. Bringing It Together With Two-Sample t Test
   Lora Connelly, North Shore Community College
   A brief experiment ties together most topics covered in an introductory statistics course. Results are striking. TI-83's will be used.
4. Adventures in Teaching Limits: An Unplanned Experiment Gone Awry
   James R. Bozeman, Ph.D., Lyndon State College
   During the fall semester of 2001, I taught two Calculus 1 classes. Due to time constraints, I presented the topic of limits using only intuition and technology with no formality, e.g. without epsilon-delta. In this talk I will explain what occurred and explain why I am unlikely to teach limits this way again.
5. Solving Equations With the TI-83 or TI-83+
   Marie DuBois, Central Connecticut State University
   Solve polynomial, radical, exponential, logarithmic and rational equations with the Math Solver and graphing utility features of the TI-83 or TI-83+. What can be done and how. What cannot be done and why not.
6. Geometry and Discovery Learning
   Marvin Stick, UMass Lowell
   The use of computer technology to help develop elements of Euclidean geometry will be presented. Sketchpad-generated scenarios will be discussed to simulate processes used to draw conclusions. Classroom experiences, both at the university level for in-service teachers and at the high school level, will be discussed. Comparisons with Cabri geometry software on theTI-92+ and Maple geometry capabilities will also be presented.
7. Freeware and Inexpensive Software from the Web
   Chris Chepiga, John Jacobs, Mass Bay Community College
   Good graphers of functions, graphers of non-functions, neat applets, great sites to visit, and a dynamic $10 3-D grapher.
8. A Model for Determining the Number of Hours of Daylight
   Michael Sullivan, Chicago State University, Michael Sullivan III, Joliet Junior College
   A trigonometric model that can be used to determine the number of hours of daylight for any location on Earth for any given time of the year. Interesting applications of angular velocity, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, identities and model building.
9. Automatic Homework and Testing System: Commercial Presentation
   Emily Omlor, Quant Systems, Inc.
   Our automated homework system's tutorial and assessment modes extend your instructional influence beyond the classroom. We provide a large number of intelligent problem-solving tutorials that can be assigned on a daily basis. These homework lessons measure performance and automatically report results to your electronic gradebook.

PUBLISHERS EXHIBITS

WELCOME

• Wayne M Burton, President, North Shore Community College
• Paul Frydrych, Dean of Academic Affairs, North Shore Community College
• Nancy Alberto, Division Chair, Sciences and Mathematics, North Shore Community College

1. Keeping Students Actively Involved During Math Class
   Andrew B. Perry, Springfield College
   A discussion of various methods for keeping students actively involved in mathematics classes especially those at about the level of intermediate algebra, college algebra or precalculus. The workshop will include a demonstration of various math games, including "Wheel of Functions" and a discussion of other techniques which can keep students actively involved.
2. Self-Regulated Learning in the Developmental Math Classroom
   Adele Miller, Rivier College
   Do you want to help your developmental math students become better learners? Self-regulated learning provides students with tools which can help them succeed academically. The tools include setting goals, establishing and implementing study strategies, self-monitoring of work, and self-adjusting of goals. Implementing these tools helps students to plan and use study time more effectively, know their grade in the course at all times, focus on where they are having difficulties, apply concepts learned within the course, better prepare for tests, and write more effectively. It also helps the course instructor. With students reporting on what areas they are struggling in, instructors have a clearer picture of where students are having difficulties and save class time reviewing homework. Hear how self-regulated learning was implemented in a developmental math course at Rivier College.
3. Using Flash in Mathematics Courses
   Jean-Marie Magnier, Springfield College
   This workshop will cover a brief explanation of Macromedia Flash 5.0 and a demonstration of several Flash programs I created and use in my math courses. These include materials for distance education, quiz programs along with database management, animations of various topics and games I use with my students. A CD will be given out with lessons on it, and discussion on how to incorporate Flash into individual/institutional needs will be encouraged.
4. eduSpace: Houghton Mifflin's New Online Learning Tool for Developmental Mathematics: Commercial Presentation
   Michael Busnach, Maureen Duffy, Chris Hyde, Ben Rivera, Houghton Mifflin
   We will demonstrate our new on-line learning tool called eduSpace which allows instructors to customize text-specific content and create three types of assignments for their students: tutorials, quizzes, and homework. Students can access the material online, complete assignments, and have their results automatically tabulated and logged in eduSpace's gradebook. This is especially helpful for instructors who want to streamline the assigning and grading of homework.
5. Interactive Software + Learning Strategies = Math Success
   Joanne Manville, Shirley MacKenzie, Bunker Hill Community College
   An NSF project at Bunker Hill Community College, in collaboration with the Massachusetts College of Art, is designing curriculum materials to facilitate student learning in developmental math courses. The Strategies for Math Success is a collection of activities in workbook format. The activities introduce developmental math students to effective mathematics learning practices. The activities provide experiences with generic study skills and math-specific learning strategies. The curriculum also introduces information on the math learning process in the context of students' personal strengths and weaknesses. Success curriculum activities incorporate actual math content materials. The BHCC Developmental Math Software is a collection of independent interactive computer illustrations. Content areas include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, percent, English and metric measurement, perimeter, area and volume. The software is designed to promote conceptual understanding of abstract concepts through the use of concrete models.
6. Pascal's Palindrome aka Pascal's Triangle
   Suellen Robinson, North Shore Community College
   Pascal's triangle is often seen as a convenient "trick" to enable students to find the coefficients for any binomial expansion. Come explore its hidden secrets, and its connection to different branches of mathematics, such as number theory, sequences, algebra and probability and combinations.
7. Building a Multi-task Model for Problem Solving in Elementary Algebra
   John Tobey, North Shore Community College
   The majority of elementary algebra courses taught in community colleges in the United States focus on a few simple cases or types of word problems. However, a broader approach using a multi-task model allows for a greater development of mathematical reasoning skill. If we examine carefully our assumptions about problem solving in an elementary algebra course, we may discover some unpleasant realities. The presentation will focus on some examples of diverse types of application problems that can be used to develop a powerful multi-task approach in Elementary Algebra.
8. CBL - Calculator Based Labs
   John Jacobs, Mass Bay Community College
   Texas Instruments makes a Computer Based Laboratory (CBL() transponder and the Vernier Corporation makes a host of sensors. These, connected with TI-83's, allow students to collect "real world data" for subsequent mathematical analysis. Several experiments will be demonstrated. Some are done at the desk, others are more interactive.
9. Effective Web Based Tutorial, Testing and Course Management: Commercial Presentation
   Kevin O'Brien, Addison Wesley
   Two web-based resources, MathXL and My Math Lab, will be presented. These resources are of interest to instructors looking for easily accessed practice problems and tutorials to enhance a traditional course or an online course. MathXL allows students to take practice tests, then creates a personalized study plan. My Math Lab provides a website with many resources which an instructor can customize. Both resources correlate directly with Addison Wesley texts.
10. Brain Science and Learning Math
    Linda Rottman, University of Maine
    New technologies have enabled brain researchers to better understand the biological processes that occur in the brain as people acquire new learning. Could it be that helping students understand these processes - how their brains work - would improve their ability to learn and remember new material in their college courses? I have been teaching "brain science" in my classes for the past two semesters. I will share my experiences and approaches to creating a brain-friendly learning environment.
11. The Berlin Airlift: How Math Saved the Day!
    Roberta Kieronski, University of New Hampshire Manchester
    How did mathematics help the Allies in 1949 break the Berlin blockade? Use history to help motivate your algebra students to learn mathematics. Come learn how to solve linear programming problems graphically. Your algebra students will be able to do this, too.
12. Nonstandard Problems in Basic Mathematics and Elementary Algebra
    Sadie Bragg and Geoffrey Akst, Borough of Manhattan Community College
    The presenters consider various kinds of nonstandard exercises you might want to assign in your college developmental course to foster motivation and conceptual development. Come and bring your own favorite problems to share with others, and be prepared to defend their merits.
13. 2 "Guzinta" 12; So Do 3, 4, Etc.
    Warland Hersey, North Shore Community College
    A brief discussion of prime factorization as a means of determining the number of divisors of a natural number as well as the sum and product of those divisors. An excursion into a fascinating area of number theory for the curious and serious math student.
14. Service Learning, Fisheries Biology, and Technology in the Teaching of Statistics
    Barry Woods, Unity College
    Looking backward, three different technology tools are generally used to teach statistics courses: Calculators, spreadsheets, and statistics software packages. At Unity College, statistics is taught using the technologies of the TI-83 calculator, Microsoft Excel, and Minitab, but we're moving forward by giving our students the opportunity to learn and become involved in statistical analyses of a real, ongoing environmental study.
15. Using the Internet to Enhance the Teaching and Learning of Intermediate Algebra
    Emmett Dennis, Southern Connecticut State University
    This presentation will show how math instructors can use the internet via Blackboard.com and/or CourseCompass powered by Blackboard.com, to provide web-based learning components that will enhance a traditional mathematics classroom environment. It will be shown a) how tests and quizzes can be created and given online with instant feedback of results, b) how spreadsheet gradebooks can be created, c) how math journal essays can be assessed online, along with many other features.
16. Math Pro: Technological Support for Developmental Math: Commercial Presentation
    Prentice Hall Developmental Math Group
    A demonstration of Prentice Hall's MathPro4 (CD-rom) and Math Pro5 (web-based) programs. MathPro is a tutorial and diagnostic software program that supports developmental math. Students can practice their skills, get remedial help, watch videos of problems being solved, get instant feedback.
17. Put Some FUN in FUNdamentals or FUNctions
    Elizabeth Lucas, North Shore Community College
    Ever see glazed eyes and nodding heads? Talking to yourself all semester? Sometimes good teaching just isn't enough. Dare to be Different! Sing, quote, wave your arms. This presentation will explore pros and cons of using humor in the classroom and provide some examples of non-technological methods of sparking student interest and learning. Participants are encouraged to share their own ideas and "tricks".
18. An Innovative Quantitative Reasoning Course
    Mark Pawlak, UMass Boston
    UMASS Boston has implemented a quantitative reasoning course in which students create and analyze mathematical models of real-life problems and represent the results symbolically, graphically, verbally and in writing. Students make classroom presentations supported by graphs and charts. Classes are taught in a computer labs utilizing Excel, the internet, graphing calculators and a course web page. Come hear about the innovative pedagogy of this course!
19. Round Table Discussion on Calculator Usage
    Bernice Bowdoin and Susan Hoy, Bristol Community College
    Faculty use of calculators in the classroom ranges from no use allowed to anything goes. What is your policy on calculator use? What are the benefits and disadvantages to the students? Are students becoming too calculator dependent? What about CAS calculators? Other topics of interest to the group may be discussed.
20. Excel(lent) Scrolling
    David Cox, Southern New Hampshire University
    This presentation will demonstrate how to create interactive Excel worksheets to illustrate topics in statistics and, time permitting, finite mathematics. The main technique used will be embedding scroll bars that are linked to a graph in an Excel worksheet.

Annual Meeting and Elections 

Exhibitors 2001 - 2002

Many thanks to Prentice Hall for sponsoring the Saturday morning breakfast and Academic Systems for sponsoring the Friday afternoon coffee and snacks.

Special thanks to Houghton Mifflin, Thomson Learning, Key College Press, McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, Texas Instruments, and Quant Systems for donating door prizes.

Registration List