ONGO-08 K-12 Teaching Application Abstract Proposed Approach Standardized test scores indicate that students need to improve their problem-solving and geography skills. The purpose of this project is to provide software to supplement classroom learning in these areas for 3rd-6th grade students. Mathematical Teaching Software System (MTSS) assists students with problem solving by using problem walkthroughs. Uncle Sam’s America (USA) and Globey’s World (GW) provide visual and factual information about US and world geography. The Software and Support Framework (SASF) team provides support for application development and suite extensibility. These groups combine to form the K-12 Teaching Application Software and Support team. MTSS (figure 1): Four-step problem solving algorithm Generate sample problem sets Problem creation tool for teachers GW/USA (figure 2, figure 3): Geography database to store state and country facts Interactive games as learning tools Geography comparison tools SASF: Grade book functionality User registration and login capabilities Extensible framework for future applications Figure 1: MTSS Example Introduction Figure 2: GW Comparison Page Figure 3: USA “State That Flag” Problem Statement Teachers wish to improve student performance in problem solving and geography. Solution Approach Design web-based software to be used as a supplemental teaching device in the areas of mathematical problem solving and US and world geography. Intended Users and Uses 3rd-6th grade students, teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians will use the software as a supplemental educational tool and as a monitor of student progress. Operating Environment Client-Server architecture Linux-based Apache web server MySQL database PHP web applications Assumptions Client has access to Internet connection Students are supervised by teachers or parents/guardians Limitations Client Internet connection speeds Prior computer experience of students Developers may not have prior experience with PHP or MySQL Expected End Product Functional applications that conform to the framework design User manual Tools to evaluate student performance Estimated Resources and Schedule Personnel Resources (in hours) Financial Requirements Project Requirements Design Objectives Software is accessible via Internet Tools to monitor student performance Provide support documentation Functional Requirements Individual logins for all users Applications assist students in learning problem solving and geography Extensible framework that allows for additional applications to be incorporated Design Constraints Simple design for ease of student use Multiple platform support All applications compatible with framework Measurable Milestones Team PHP/MySQL training sessions Defect identification and correction Release of software to schools Alpha and beta test activities Refine MTSS problem solving algorithm Semester Schedule Technology Considerations Coding Language: ASP PHP (Chosen) Defect Tracking Tool: Pre-existing tool Create own tool (Chosen) Database: MS SQL Server 2000 MySQL (Chosen) Project Testing Alpha Testing Ongo-08 team members and faculty advisors will perform alpha test activities to ensure a basic functionality of the software. Beta Testing Select teachers from Ames Community Schools will evaluate the software for usability in the classroom and offer suggestions for future improvements. Test Tools New Test Lead position created Formal test plans for sub-teams Software defect tracking tool Product Support User Manual and online help pages k12spprt@iastate.edu email address for clients to direct support questions Conclusion The Ongo-08 senior design team is developing applications to assist teachers in improving their students’ problem solving and geography skills.  The K-12 Teaching Application Support and Software suite provides web applications to teachers and students that supplement classroom learning in the areas of mathematical problem solving and US and world geography. By utilizing the software along with classroom instruction, the students will be better prepared for standardized tests, ultimately resulting in higher test scores. ONGO-08 http://seniord.ece.iastate.edu/ongo08 Client Iowa School Districts Faculty Advisors Dr. John Lamont Prof. Ralph Patterson Dr. Gregory Smith Ongo-08a (MTSS) Cameron Travers Aaron Menz Amy Joines Adam Wise Ongo-08b/c (GW/USA) Todd Steffen Jennifer Novak Justin Brown Sean Boyle Ongo-08d (SASF) Grant Eckels Erin Boggess Paul Hartwell Duc Ho Nathan Taucher