Mathematical Teaching Software System Ames Community Schools (ACS) has been concerned with their student’s performance in problem-solving on nationally standardized exams. While ACS traditionally scores in the 90 th percentile on traditional math skills, results from the problem-solving section were only in the 40+ percentile. The purpose of this project is to provide a software that supplements classroom learning in the area of mathematics, focusing on the improvement of problem-solving skills. Upon completion, a customizable web application will be produced. The final product will allow students to solve problems, track their performance, and allow teachers and administrators to view the students results and track their performance. By utilizing the software to extend classroom learning, the students of ACS will be better prepared for standardized math tests, ultimately resulting in higher scores. General Problem Statement A software is required that would Provide mathematical problems that will improve student’s problem solving skills Provide teachers and administrators of ACS the ability to track student performance Assumptions The users (students and teachers of ACS) have access to the Internet The user uses a DHTML capable browser such as Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or higher) or Netscape (version 6 or higher) The user’s web browser has JavaScript enabled Students are exposed to mathematical topics prior to the use of MTSS Intended Users Students in grades 3-6 Elementary School Teachers System Administrators Operating Environment Web applications run on a Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP (LAMP) architecture MySQL used as database backend Abstract Introduction Design Requirements Design Objectives Convert existing ASP code to PHP/MySQL Enable access to MySQL database for additional problems or changes Functional Requirements Application shall be accessible via the internet Each user will have a unique username and password to access the system The application shall always have problems to solve Student statistics shall be stored in a database file Student and problem statistics can be printed for teacher review Teachers shall have the ability to create, modify, and delete problems within the database Design Constraints Multi-platform use (PC & Macintosh) Easy for students of grades 3-6 and their teacher’s to understand Help instructions about the application available for all users. Measurable Milestones Project Definition Conversion from ASP to PHP complete Additional functionalities added to the application End-product testing Final software demonstration Estimated Resources Proposed Approach Receive feedback from ACS teachers Use PHP/MySQL for software design Gradually add various functionalities to the application Student achievement statistics Statistics on each individual problem Ability for teachers to share problems More specific/descriptive error messages for wrong answers Technologies Considered Running software in ASP format Running software using PHP/MySQL CD-based rather than Internet-based Proposed Approach and Considerations Intended Uses Supplement classroom instruction Enhance problem-solving techniques Monitor student progress by serving as a record keeping tool Expected End Product A software system that would be Robust and usable through the Internet Serve as a supplement to classroom teaching in the area of mathematical problem-solving General Problem Solution The program would be available over the Internet The final program would be written using a combination of PHP and HTML languages The program would use a MySQL database framework to implement and enable problem creation as well as adding/deleting/editing student and teacher information Limitations Processor speed of the client may be limited Number of users accessing the site simultaneously may be limited There may be an upper limit on the size of the database The Internet connection speed of the user may be limited Project Team Information – (Ongo-08a) Personnel Effort Financial Budget Testing Considerations Sub-team testing of individual components Outside testing performed by ACS teachers Final testing performed by ACS students Summary Due to unsatisfying scores on standardized tests of third grade through sixth students, an interactive software program called Mathematical Teaching System Software was created. By implementing MTSS into the Ames Community Schools, it will be easier for the students to visualize and solve mathematical problems using correct problem solving techniques and method without the assistantship of the teacher To achieve this, the team of Ongo-08a will design an Internet based software program called Mathematical Teaching Software System (MTSS). This software will not only provide mathematical problems for ACS students (in grades 3-6) to view and solve, it will enable teachers and administrators the ability to view progress reports, customize questions and add/remove/edit student information. MTSS will serve as the perfect supplement to classroom instructions. 492 Student Muhammad Rahim, CprE 491 Students Kar-Aik Lim, EE Sarah Osmundson, CprE Man-Peng Wong, CprE Faculty Advisors Dr. John Lamont Prof. Ralph Patterson Client Ames Community Schools % of work required Connect via Internet Web ServerClient Other Resources $0 for software and client feedback K-12 Teaching Application Support