Article: Pushing back the boundaries of maths teaching

Maple is continuing to push back the boundaries of how software can help maths teaching, with the introduction during 2003 of Maple TA.

This web-based system, now in its pilot stage, can be used for creating tests, assignments and exercises, and automatically assessing student responses and performance. It’s likely to be used both in the classroom and as part of distance-education initiatives. Unlike traditional assessment systems, Maple TA supports complex, free form entry and intelligent evaluation of responses

The aim is nothing less than freeing schools from the cost, effort and limitations of paper-and-pencil assessment, in the most intelligent way possible. With Maple TA, instructors can create online mathematics tests, assignments and practice sessions that are graded by the proven Maple maths engine, which of course understands that a+b = b+a!

Students take the tests through a standard web browser, while a Maple engine running on the Maple TA server automatically grades the assignment as soon as the student submits it. Question types include Maple-graded, multiple choice, short answer/essay, fill-in-the-blank/drop-down, clickable image, true-false, mathematical formula and more.

Adept Scientific’s maths software specialists are now investigating the potential of Maple TA, and interested academic staff are welcome to call anytime and discuss the potential of this exciting new development.