Using Web Technologies to Teach Mathematics

Abstract

The technical barriers hindering the development of on-line learning in the sciences have disappeared in 2005. It is now possible and practical to teach on-line via videoconferencing supported by systems like Festoon. Students are ready to embrace synchronous and asynchronous on-line learning at the university level. Instructors are still largely either against teaching on-line or, at best, hesitant about the effectiveness of online learning. This paper reports on the recent experiments at the University of Helsinki and at Florida State University. We also discuss the enhancements that the WebALT Project will bring to on-line learning. The experiences gathered at the University of Helsinki and at Florida State University show that on-line instruction is a real alternative to traditional instruction, a way to improve learning and a way to reduce costs.