The MathMol Hypermedia Textbook

As an educator one thing that constantly crosses my mind is the staggering cost of textbooks. And perhaps, equally troublesome is the short life-time of most of these books (especially those from K-12 schools). Somehow textbook companies always seem to come out ahead of the game as US curriculum plans seem to be changing every few years. Perhaps a change may be the in the making. The state of Maine has just issued laptop computers to all their middle school students. Does this signal a change from paper textbook to internet? Are we heading away from the classical textbook and toward using the Internet as the prime source of information for our students? We have already begun to see a greater acceptance toward online research journals. Is the online textbook far behind?

Online K-12 Hypermedia Textbooks have several advantages over classic hardcopy books. Perhaps the most significant being the ease with which an online book can be edited and updated. Updating can easily be performed on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available.

In addition, the Internet can make use of several multimedia tools that can provide a more conducive learning environment for students. Among these tools:

• Javascript's can be used to test students understanding as they proceed through a lesson.



• Java applets can allow for real interactive activities.
  
• Flash Movies put a different spin on the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words".

Because the Internet contains so much public domain software, it is just a matter of time before we see more Hypermedia Textbooks. I just hope that with all the accessible public domain resources out there educational sites will remain 'free to the public'.

We provide here an overview of a stunning example of a Hypermedia Textbook that makes use of javascript, java applets and Flash animations. One of the applets Java Mage makes use of input files that have been designed for K-12 use. Although we exhibited some problems on loading of the applets (depending on Netscape and Internet Explorer Browsers) most of the interactive activities worked once loaded. As Netscape and Explorer become more in touch with user needs we expect compatibility of browsers and applets to improve.

What's in the MathMol Hypermedia Textbook?

Example of a javascript program.

Below --From the MathMol Hypermedia Textbook (Review of Mass)

Type your answer in the space provided below, then hit the submit button.

The mass of the object is:

Please enter your answer for Block I in the space provided:

If you need a calculator one is available. Click on calculator button on the right side.