3.2 Discrete Maths at Brunel Andrew Rae outlined how Discrete Mathematics is being taught through self-paced learning. Lectures have been replaced by videos of the lecturer solving problems, and the students are interviewed weekly to monitor progress. A computer-based version of the course is being developed. It uses interactive video techniques. It is hoped to have an IBM version available soon.
Areas covered include sets, functions and some graph theory.
The author, Howard Phillips, explained that this package was not a CAL tool in intent but had been designed so that Engineering students might use the Mathematics they have been taught. A graph plotter is included to give a 'feel' for different functions. CAL Authoring Environments Mike Beilby explained the two methods of preparing CAL courseware. The authoring language approach is based on the concept of consecutive frames, presented in much the same way as a 'traditional' course of lectures, material being developed serially with occasional tests and relatively some scope for revision based on limited feed-back. It would be expected that a student would browse throught the document in the first instance under the guidance of a tutor, and in a second stage stimulated by his own curiosity.