[kde-edu]: Application Developer

[M Gehl]

I'm in the needs analysis phase for a mathematics tutoring application
for KDE-EDU. The objective of the application is to present
mathematical concepts, guided problem solving strategies and
interactive problem sets to High School Algebra and Geometry students.

Why build a Mathematics Tutorial application for KDE? Math books and
websites offer little or no interactive content. Mathematics tutoring
software is expensive and limited. Problem solving software is
designed for solutions not comprehension.

The reason for this inquiry is locate a developer familiar with QT/KDE
programming who could spend some time building a prototype application
for a single tutorial module. Currently, the project team includes
myself, acting as project coordinator and Elizabeth Stapel
(http://www.purplemath.com/about.htm) who has agreed to provide
learning content under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation
License.

The prototype application will contain a single tutorial module on x
and y-intercepts. The following Widgets/Learning Objects have been
identified so far:

1) x,y linear equation graphing plane with drag-able line. Intercept
points move as the user drags the line. Equation of line changes as
user drags line. (Similar 'line-dragging' functionality exists in Kig,
linear plotting as in KmPlot). Do not allow student to enter equation.
Not to be used as a homework solver.

2) Display a linear equation on x-y graphing plane and ask user to
"find the x- and y-intercepts of the linear equation". First Incorrect
answer; give text feedback stressing connection between intercept and
zeros. Second incorrect answer; algebra-animate solution for
y-intercept. Third incorrect answer; algebra-animate solution for
x-intercept.

3) Generate a printable x-y intercept quiz with graphing areas for
each problem. Contains random easy, medium, and difficult problems and
solutions.

Once the prototype application is built, I will be taking it "on the
road" to a number of high schools to determine the feasibility of this
project from a student and educators perspective.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on the project in general
and if you would consider participating. Thank you.

-Mike Gehl