Building-In Quality Rather Than Assessing Quality Afterwards: A Technological Solution to Ensuring Computational Accuracy in Learning Materials

Peter K Dunn

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Building-In Quality Rather Than Assessing Quality Afterwards: A Technological Solution to Ensuring Computational Accuracy in Learning Materials

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Building-In Quality Rather Than Assessing Quality Afterwards: A Technological Solution to Ensuring Computational Accuracy in Learning Materials

Peter K Dunn

Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Vol.27(1), pp.47-63

2008

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

post secondary education

mathematics

distance education

educational technology

instructional materials

computers

Quality encompasses a very broad range of ideas in learning materials, yet the accuracy of the content is often overlooked as a measure of quality. Various aspects of accuracy are briefly considered, and the issue of computational accuracy is then considered further. When learning materials are produced containing the results of mathematical computations, accuracy is essential: but how can the results of these computations be known to be correct? A solution is to embed the instructions for performing the calculations in the materials, and let the computer calculate the result and place it in the text. In this way, quality is built into the learning materials by design, not evaluated after the event. This is all accomplished using the ideas of literate programming, applied to the learning materials context. A small example demonstrates how remarkably easy the ideas are to apply in practice using the appropriate technology. Given the technology is available and is easy to use, it would seem imperative the approach discussed is adopted to improve quality in learning materials containing computational results.

Details

Title: Building-In Quality Rather Than Assessing Quality Afterwards: A Technological Solution to Ensuring Computational Accuracy in Learning Materials
Authors: Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Publication details: Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Vol.27(1), pp.47-63
Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Date published: 2008
ISSN: 0731-9258
Copyright note: Copyright © 2008 AACE. Used with permission from the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, Norfolk, VA. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2008, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 47-63. Building-In Quality Rather Than Assessing Quality Afterwards: A Technological Solution to Ensuring Computational Accuracy in Learning Materials by Peter Dunn. www.aace.org
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449515202621
Output Type: Journal article

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