1. Tablet PC and Teaching Mathematics
by Dr. F Ma and F Saddigh
3PM–4PM Sept. 26 2012 NEA 229 LA Harbor College
Introduction to Tablets PC
There are three types of tablets iPads, Androids, and Window tablet PC’s. Of the three systems,
the Window 7 tablet PC’s have by far the most robust pen driven system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Tablet_PC
http://tablet-pc-review.toptenreviews.com/
Narrative Databases and a Tablet–Instructional Platform
Narrative databases are databases where the content is designed to be revealed in discrete
incremental steps that are appropriate to the level of the audience. Narrative databases
digitally reproduce the traditional classroom instruction that the students are familiar with.
A narrative tablet–instructional platform (NTIP) is a teaching system where the instructor
utilizes a pen based* tablet in conjunction with narrative databases as the main teaching tool.
The narrative example given below is constructed with Microsoft Power Point (PPT) though any
similar authoring software may be used for its construction.
Components of the NTIP
The components needed for the NTIP are listed below.

2. * a tablet PC for instruction
* narrative databases of the lessons
http://www.lahc.edu/math/frankma.htm
* a classroom with a projection system, preferably a wireless projection system
* online access of databases and other supplemental data
* a textbook based on the databases
Methodology
The content is delivered traditionally via the tablet where the concepts are revealed to the
students one step at a time. A new line is introduced only when the instructor is certain that
most of the class understands the current line. The instructor may comment, annotate or
provide clarification about the presentation directly on the tablet, (see the attachment for
example of the line–by–line databases), the instructor can access and incorporate any software
or online information, all at the tip of a digital pen.
The students have textbooks which contain a condensed form of the database. Because the
textbook already contains the printed version of the databases, it reduces the task of note–
taking and offers students a better chance to concentrate and comprehend the lectures in
class. The students may access the line-by-line narrative databases on the internet.
This combination of the databases, tablet presentations, the textbook, and internet access to
the database constitute the NTIP.
Advantages of the NTIP
Some of the advantages of the NTIP are given here.
* The NTIP helps learners in synthesizing the knowledge.
Demo: 1. Volume of the Intersection of Two Pipes2. The Monty Hall Problem
* Once the database is constructed, it is easy to edit and polish as instructors gain experience in
the classroom. In other words, the database gets better as time goes on.
* The instructor can instantly access all necessary software or internet resources with the
tablet, allowing them to organize all curriculum material in one place via the tablet.
Some of the advantages of the NTIP for students are given here.
* The lessons are presented in discrete increments in accordance to their structure and the
background of the students in the same manner the instructor presents the lectures in class.
* The narrative format is easier than the traditional print format for one to pick up where one
left off in the curricula.

3. * Students may access the presentations online in the same narrative style that corresponds to
the lectures conveniently via popular digital personal devices.
* The textbook which contains the condensed version of the database reduces the amount of in
class note taking by the students.
* With a wireless projection system the instructor is free to move around the classroom and
help the students individually while lecturing. The instructor will not be confined to the
blackboard area and can act as a tutor and as a presenter simultaneously.
* The tablet enhances communications in the classroom such as sharing student’s works
* NTIP is particularly helpful for instructors who have difficulty writing on the boards or who is
allergic to chalk dust and chemical.
* The tablet offers an incentive to instructors to take technology into the classroom hence
introduce the technology to the students
*The Pen Input
Keyboard, voice, touch, and the pen are common forms of input methods. The following are
two examples of research in these areas involving pen–input systems.
A touch + pen input MS grip–sensitive multipurpose pen.
The digital–pen dexterity is an important skill modern age. It’sam indispensable tool for
students in STEM, or any graphic interface in art or design. We need offer the opportunity for
the students to learn these skills. This will only happen through the instructors.
Tablet PC http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Tablet_PC
Mathematics Narrative Databases http://www.lahc.edu/math/frankma.htm
Pen Input Research http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/03/09/smarter-pens-augmented-
drawing-and-more-natural-user-interfaces-at-techfest-2011/
The proposed non-STEM Intermediate Algebra course will utilize this format of delivery.

4. Technology in Classes
I have made up few Calculus III and Linear Algebra problems to demonstrate how
Microsoft Mathematics can be used. With this program you can graph in 2-D ,3-D,
and polar coordintes.Also you can differentiate, integrate and reduce matrices to
row echelon form. These are just a few examples of many functions it can
perform.
1) Graph the following (the extreme value(s) and saddle point).
a)
b)
2) Graph the polar equation: r = 1 - .
3) Graph and find points of intersection between r=1 and r =1-
4) Find the volume of the wedge –shaped solid that lies above the xy-plane, below
the plane z = x, and within the cylinder + .
Solution: The base is semicircle of radius 2, but the by symmetry we may
integrate the 1st quadrant and double the result.
V= =
5) Verify that the integral is equal to .
6) Find the volume of the region D enclosed by the surfaces and
. Graph
7)) If A = a) reduce to row echelon b) Find inverse of A.

5. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Use-Math-Input-Panel-to-write-and-correct-math-equations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Mathematics
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15702