MathPen: Towards a pro-human web-based user interface for mathematics education

Mandy Lo1, Juile-Ann Edwards2, Christian Bokhove2, Hugh Davis1

1

Electronics and Computer Science, 2Southampton Education School

Web Science

Objectives
Against a background where the UK competitive advantage will depend on raising the level of our science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills, there was recognition that UK business and industry would be disadvantaged if not provided with an adequate supply of well educated and motivated STEM graduates [1]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using handwriting recognition technologies (such as MathPen) to facilitate online collaborative learning for STEM subjects [2], and engagement with mathematics to underpin STEM subjects.
Fig 2: MathPen

Fig 6: Experts resorting to scanning

Results
The forum analysis revealed a high level of interaction between forum members, despite the imminent summer holiday. Case studies showed that scanned images of handwritten work are often used when Latex is limited. A survey indicated the use of Latex is highly dependent on the users technical ability. 72% believe handwriting recognition will prove to be useful and 69% are likely to use this instead of Latex.

The expert reviews demonstrated that the current most commonly used technology for entering mathematical symbols online is cumbersome and acknowledged that MathPen can allow the user to concentrate on the substance rather than the formatting, which in turn can streamline computer-mediated math communications.

Conclusions
Thus, the cumbersome entry method for mathematical symbols is a significant barrier to online communication for mathematics. With the improved timescale in communication of mathematics, now is the time to investigate online collaborative learning for mathematics education.

Fig 1: Coding for quadratic formula x=(-b (b^2-4ac))/2a vs handwriting technology for word processors Fig 3: Input method usage

References
[1] Wilson, R.A.(2008) The Demand for STEM Graduates: Technical Report on Sources and Methods. [2] Catalin, D. & Corneli, J., (2010) Building Blocks for Online Mathematics & eLearning.
Fig 4: No. of mathemaics statements in 100 threads or a day.

Tools & Methods

MathPen was conceptualised to address the current needs. This study triangulated research methods including forum analysis, survey and expert reviews in conjunction with a demonstration video of MathPen. Literature and commercial products were also examined to verify MathPens social, educational and technical feasibility.

Fig 5: Commonly used input methods