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Friday 25 April 2008, 7:59 AM
Ideal Mathematics Test Practices: Making Online Quizzes with Math Symbols
In the Internet times, most learners will prefer online courses and practices to expand their mathematics knowledge, so math symbols and equations in online quizzes would be an essential part for educators.
Undoubtedly, everyone needs mathematical knowledge to strive forward in the 21st century. As a central part of contemporary education and fundamental of other science subjects, certainly mathematics is abstract, and the mathematical courses are really difficult to learn. Most math or science instructor may believe that, better mathematical ability needs more parctices and assessments.
To prepare a mathematics test, a lot of practices are necessary for learners. Math instructors could design various questions for students to exercise before the formal test. In the era of Internet times, the way of online quizzes is supposed to be more acceptable by most learners. Certainly instructional designers can try a lot of online quiz makers, such as Discovery Education (http://school.discoveryeducation.com/), but for mathematics test, the adding of math symbols could be a really serious problem. Especially, most mathematical equations in algebra or geometry need special symbols to complete. How can a math or science instructor achieve this?
The difficulty associated with including symbols and equations in online quizzes for mathematics test or preparation practice might be the barrier of better online math teaching and learning. The primary problem is that standard Web browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape, are incapable of displaying common math symbols.
To deal with this limitation simply, instructors resort to turning symbols and equations into image files (e.g., gif) which can then be displayed by browsers. In Windows, go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Character Map to insert special math symbols. Then, make use of free built-in Paint in Windows Accessories to convert the mathematics equations with special symbols to images. About Paint program, just refer to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_(software)
A second approach is to create symbols using a XML-based language called MathML (Mathematical Markup Language), which then requires a MathML "plug-in" to be installed to a browser to display the symbol. MathML is a low-level specification for describing mathematics as a basis for machine to machine communication by the W3C Math working group. It provides a much needed foundation for the inclusion of mathematical expressions in Web pages. Get more information about MathML at
http://www.w3.org/Math/
The better approach so far is made possible through Flash-based QuizCreator with equation editor feature, which creates equations in Flash mathematics test, as Flash could be easily embedded in Web pages. Certainly it doesn't require the users to manually install a plug-in to the browser. In addition, it runs alongside the learning management system (such as Moodle, BlackBoard, WebCT) so that the mathematics test preparation practices with math symbols by instructors can be better accessed as course content and assessments. Try Wondershare QuizCreator with math symbols supported from:
http://www.sameshow.com/quiz-creator.html
It's worth trying more solutions of online quizzes for mathematics test to deploy appropriate tools. However, most instructors would favor the Flash way, as the original mathematics test with math symbols can be easily edited in equation editor in the future.
William Peterson
Presentation Veteran
Thursday 3 April 2008, 9:48 AM
Tech Up Your Sales Presentation With New Blood
A successful presentation never makes anyone sleepy, and the ending applause isn't the ringing to wake up. Maybe every presenter knows the rule, but not eveyone knows the solution.
Certainly the goal of a sales presentation is to deliver a clear, concise and consistent message to your prospects about your products and your brand, as well as why you're better than the competition. Doing that and keeping your audience's attention for longer than 30 minutes is the real chanllenge. Today's spoiled, information-overloaded prospects demand a richer presentation experience.
The problem with traditional presentation tools is that they use a lot of static text that makes them too long, too common and just plain boring. PowerPoint changed that for a while, but with technology changing so quickly, some claim that even this beloved presentation tool is too old to adapt to the new world. But sales professionals and executives must weigh the benefits of a new presentation tool against the potential for more sales, and it might not be worth taking on the added effort and expense.
Presentation Tools in New Blood
Nevertheless, there are a lot of new tools that can enhance your presentation. Hitachi StarBoard Software, for example, now offers a line of interactive whiteboards, panels and portable tablets that offers dynamic and engaging ways to grab and hold the attention of even the most technology-savvy meeting attendee.
Not exactly multimedia, some Java-enabled technologies can be used within a number of platforms, from PDFs to Web sites to PowerPoint presentations. Actually, Flash is the most powerful software tool today to leverage technology in sales presentations, and Flash interactive sales tools can serve multiple purposes. You can send them in advance of a meeting to prime your prospects and pique their interest, or you can leave them behind after the meeting to help your contact sell your product and service internally. Interactive tools that involve your viewers make them want to talk about you and show your presentation to key decision-makers in their organization.
Presentations developed in Flash now have better integration of video, back-end systems and other Web-based technologies. One benefit of this greater integration is the ability to incorporate dynamic information and develop modular presentations with a focus on user experience and usability. These changes allow for more interactivity, flexibility in customization and a richer experience for the prospect.
The Value of Business Presentations
Although creating these presentations can be costly and complex, these presentations can be substantial enough to deliver a better message for your business, and attract prospects around the globe through WEbinars, for example.
By effectively utilizing new Web and software technologies in every aspect of your sales presentation, you will not only overcome the challenges presented by modern demands, but also reap other advantages, such as being able to track your prospects' habits and make up successful sales initiatives based on the data collected online. Wondershare software ever offers a presentation-based e-learning solution, which could be a related authoring tools to deploy business presentation system.
Beyond the rising expectations, more good presentations come on these greatest tools. Actually, presenters gain more from the use of tools, and making good use of tools: for instant, SmartArt in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 is already a nice development to enrich your sales reps.
William Peterson
Presentation Veteran
