Affinity Learning in Mathematics

Arthur I. Zygielbaum, University of Nebraska – Lincoln [email protected] Neal Grandgenett, University of Nebraska, Omaha [email protected] (Extracted from a paper in preparation) September 20, 2001 I. Abstract Teaching complex subjects such as mathematical modeling is intrinsically challenging. It is more so in a typical classroom setting. In this paper, we explore the use of technology to provide an electronic tutor that interacts with both teacher and student to provide a personalized and focused learning experience. Affinity Learning is an environment that captures the skills of a master teacher in a dynamic but simple technical embodiment and presents lessons and assessments online to a student. Initial results not only indicate that learning has occurred, but also distinguish male from female performance and give interesting insight into the learning process itself.