STACK for interactive online numerical analysis tutorials: development, competence and performance

Abstract

Conducting tutorials for large classes requires number of manpower/venues. In this work we exploit the power of mathematics plugin (System for Teaching and Assessment using Computer Algebra Kernel - STACK) embedded within Moodle to conduct online tutorials for Numerical Analysis; undergraduate second year course taught in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic years at theUniversity of Dar es Salaam. Varieties of randomized questions were authored to cover the content of the coursewhile testing different learning objectives exhausting direct and iterative computations, analytical and guided proofs. Students got feedback of their work immediately from their anticipated mistakes. Students' participation and engagement in the tutorials are promising. Final scores do not show any negative impact from the application of online tutorials. Handling of online tutorials is important as number of students enrolled every year is increasing disproportionally with the available teaching staffs. This can also be appropriate tool for both delivering mathematics content interactively and assessing mathematics learning when meetings between teachers and students are limited (e.g. during pandemic period) or not necessary (e.g. distance learning programmes).