Use of MathTran in a third level physics electronic forum

Jonathan Fine
The Open University, United Kingdom

Mathematical notation creates special problems in electronic media. MathTran (http://www.mathtran.org) is developing online web services that help solve these problems. MathTran provides translation of TeX-notation mathematics to bitmap images as a web service. We will demonstrate tools based on MathTran. We will also report on their trial use in the Open University's third level Electromagnetism course SMT359, to facilitate student and tutor communication in an electronic forum.

The purpose of SMT359 is to teach Electromagnetism, not the TeX notation for mathematics. The tools make TeX easier by providing instant feedback, and in addition menus, course specific help and templates for common equations.

Issues and tensions include:
• To what degree is the notation part of the course?
• Is TeX a distraction, or a tool of the trade?
• What range of templates and examples should be given?
• The range of media: PDF, paper, HTML, ASCII, images and MathML.
• How does open-source MathTran fit in with proprietary software?

The MathTran mathematical notes tool will be demonstrated live, and a report on its use in SMT359 will be given.

The demonstration will run as follows:
• Distribution of examples of equations in the course
• Brief demonstration of how to use the system.
• Delegates asked to try the system out on their own laptops.
• Report of experience of SMT359 students and tutors.
• General discussion.

Delegates will experience new tools for mathematical notation in electronic media, and gain some experience of their use. This will allow them to assess how suitable these new tools are for the courses they give and manage.