Graphs and animations are sometimes viewed as if they were TV programmes, without the student getting engaged. So there is a need to lead the students into doing their own mathematics by using Mathematica commands. For example, in the Sequences module students are introduced to the Limits commands, so they can do their own explorations. In the Complex Numbers module the team have created a PlotLocus command for the same purpose, and have modified the Mathematica input box as part of a toolkit for asking questions during exercises. Another approach in a Curve Sketching module is to present curves and ask students to provide the equation.
Some students find the modules easy, others feel there is too much text.
Keeping the focus on interaction and animation modules shields students from the Mathematica syntax, since the idea is to target the weaker students, who need to concentrate on the mathematics rather than learning a programming language. ToolBook is being used together with MathLink, a communications protocol enabling Mathematica to be linked to external software. The Windows version is due for release in early 1994. The common features of TLTP maths projects are that they tackle bridging problems in service maths, lead to a revision of existing teaching methods, increase the use of technology and promise tranferable solutions. Technology can try and reduce resource costs by moving activity towards the student, and getting lecturers away from routine work to be more creative.