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Approved-By:  "Leslie M. Haas" <LHAAS@KENTVM.BITNET>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.libref-l
Date:         Thu, 19 Nov 1992 17:39:52 EDT
              <LIBREF-L@KENTVM.BITNET>
From:         ALANH@EPCC.BITNET
Subject:      Re: Hats

----------------------------Original message----------------------------
        Although I am a newcomer to this discussion, and I've tried waiting for
an opportune message to post a reply to with the information below, nothing
appears to be adequate, so the heading "hats" like in "pulling something out
of the hat" and the title of my project are as good an excuse as any...
        The reason I (a math teacher) and probably many other teachers subscribe
to this listserv is that VERY pertinent information is discussed, hunted and
sought avidly by the likes of you (techno-librarians)... If it is worthy of any
attention, it will cross this wires.
        Having softened the blow somewhat I would like to share with you the
text of MathMagic. Please feel free to pass it on to your department heads/
colleagues/teachers that may want to explore this exciting new fronteer.
Thanks
-------------------------- text file follows ----------------------------
NEWS RELEASE:
        MathMagic, a project developed in El Paso, TX, is geared
towards motivating students to solve open-ended math word
problems by using modems and by working in collaboration with
teammates in an environment that has no geographical
boundaries  By using telecommunications, MathMagic
creates teams of students that address writing math solutions
with partners that may reside in the same city,te, or across the world.
        Working in a restructured fashion, each individual
school forms groups that are paired with groups from several
other sites into teams.  These MathMagic teams attempt then
to solve problems which are electronically posted every two
weeks by MathMagic in El Paso.  These problems are downloaded
locally from the worldwide MathMagic carriers, discussed and
solved through telecommunications between each team.
        Once an agreeable solution is reached, each MathMagic
team submits (uploads) one solution.  The submission format
requires that the team state the problem, discuss the various
strategies used, and explains the agreed-upon solution.  Once
solution formats are received, evaluators examine them. Teams
are not ranked; rather several categories of achievement are
recognized.  The results are then posted on the MathMagic
carriers and in a newsletter published every six-weeks.
        This project provides an answer to the common problems
math teachers around the world encounter.  MathMagic provides
strong motivation for students to write and solve word prob-
lems, develop skills in the use of computers and modems, and
share in a world vision through communication with other stu-
dents.
        For more information about MathMagic, please contact:

Alan A. Hodson                  Carol Hooper
Guillen Middle School           Indian Ridge Middle School
900 S. Cotton                   11201 Pebble Hills
El Paso, TX 79901               El Paso, TX 79936
------------------------ e-mail ------------------------------
                        mathmagic@laguna.epcc.edu
ahodson@tenet.edu               cshooper@tenet.edu
alanh@laguna.epcc.edu
FidoNet 1:381/64                FidoNet 1:381/64
=============================================================
All of MathMagic files, manuals and problem postings are
available via the Internet in FTP anonymous protocol from
laguna.epcc.edu.
=============================================================
P.S..
MathMagic is presently being carried by the K12 FidoNet, and can
be found in project area #2. It is an open environment, where
any school, parent or student that has access to a local BBS
that carries K12 FidoNet can join and contribute/benefit from
the exchange. The file "FidoNet.info" on the ftp server has
more information and even examples of problems/replies.

If you have Internet access feel free to "get" the information
and fill out the registration form and send it to the mathmagic
address or to Alan at either one of his addresses. If FidoNet
is more viable (it does not require Internet access - rather a
local sysop/district collaboration) then send e-mail to Carol.

We hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. II- please avoid snail-mail (if possible.)
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU