Schedule of Tasks

1
Mathematical Teaching Software System
K-12 Teaching Application Support
Abstract
Ames Community Schools (ACS) has been concerned
with their students performance in problem
solving on nationally standardized exams. While
ACS traditionally scores in the 90th percentile
on traditional math skills, results from the
problem solving section were around 40. While
this is above the national average, there is room
for improvement. The purpose of this project is
to provide software that supplements classroom
teaching/learning in the area of mathematics,
focusing on the improvement of problem solving
skills. Upon completion, a suite of web
applications will be produced. The final product
will allow students to solve problems, and allow
teachers and administrators to view the results
and track performance. By using the software,
ACS students will become more skilled at problem
solving and will be better prepared for
standardized math tests.
Proposed Approach and Considerations
Introduction
General Problem Statement General Problem
Solution
Proposed Approach Testing Considerations

• Communicate with clients
• Research problem solving algorithm (Fig. 2)
• Use PHP framework provided by Ongo-08d for
  software design
• Divide the project group into two sub-teams
• Quizzing implementation sub-team
• Problem solving algorithm research sub-team

• Unit testing performed by each group member
• Outside testing performed by ACS teachers
• Integration testing performed by all group
  members
• Alpha testing performed by all group members
• Beta testing performed by the client
• Maintenance provided by future Ongo-08a
  project teams

• Software will provide
• Reinforcement of students problem solving skills
• Tracking of students performance with grade
  reports

• Software will have
• Accessibility through multiple clients (Fig. 1)
• Records of students statistics
• Framework implemented by Ongo-08d

Assumptions Limitations

• Client will use approved web browsers
• Students are familiar with math topics
• Students supervised for technical questions
• MTSS used at school or students homes

• Internet connection and Internet bandwidth are
  limited and may not be consistent
• Problem solving algorithm may be hard to
  implement due to time constraints for developers
  
• New team members may not be familiar with PHP

Technologies Considered

• Running software in ASP format
• Running software using PHP and MySQL
• CD-based rather than Internet- based

Intended Users Intended Uses

• Students in grades 3-6 and their
  parents/guardians
• Elementary school teachers
• System administrators

• Supplemental instruction
• Reinforce good problem solving technique
• Progress tracking tool

Operating Environment Expected End Product
Estimated Resources and Schedule

• Server runs on Red Hat Linux Enterprise
• Uses Apache web server
• Web server utilizes scripts written in PHP
• Runs a MySQL database

• Software System that will be
• Robust
• Easy for teachers and students to understand
  and use
• Reinforce good problem solving technique

Personal Efforts Other Resources
Description Cost Software Application
0
Design Requirements
Financial Resources
Description Cost Project Poster
30 Labor (at 10.50/hr) 7224 Total
Financial Costs 7254
Design Objectives Design Constraints

• Must implement problem solving algorithm used by
  client
• Use the framework provided by Ongo-08d
• The program shall be easy to use for both
  students and teachers
• The GUI must have a consistent layout

• The goal is to provide
• A user friendly interface for teachers and
  students
• Code that is easy to maintain and update
• An application that is functional and meets the
  clients expectations

Schedule of Tasks
Functional Requirements Measurable Milestones

• Accessible via the Internet (Fig. 1)
• Each user will have a unique username
• Administrators will be able to manage user
  creation and deletion
• Teachers can view students statistics
• Teachers can create, modify, and delete
  problems and quizzes
• Reinforce mathematical problem solving skills

• Problem solving algorithm
• Adding gradebook functionality
• GUI for quiz functionality
• End user testing

Summary
Due to unsatisfying scores on standardized tests
of third through sixth grade students, an
interactive software program called Mathematical
Teaching System Software will be created. It
will offer students the ability to practice their
problem solving skills by walking them through a
problem solving algorithm which will reinforce
steps to finding a problems solution. The MTSS
software will also provide teachers and
administrators the ability to track students
progress.
Project Ongo-08a
492 Students 491 Students Faculty
Advisors Client Tuan D. Cao, Cpr
E Sara A. Murphy, Cpr E John M. Saterfiel, Cpr
E Dr. John Lamont Ames Community School
System Doug D. Doan, Cpr E Tiffany M. Schweer,
Cpr E David L. Wire, Cpr E Professor Ralph
Patterson III Webpage http//seniord.ece.iastat
e.edu/Ongo08a