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GAP


Incorporating the Software GAP into Teaching Abstract Algebra


Russell Blyth, Julianne Rainbolt
July 10–14, 2006
Online, from Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO

Registration For This Workshop is Now Closed

This online workshop is designed for college and university teachers who are interested in using software in their undergraduate abstract algebra classes. Participants will use the software GAP as a pedagogical tool. No prior knowledge of GAP will be assumed.

Participants completing the workshop will:
  • obtain the teaching materials for a semesterlong course in abstract algebra which uses GAP exercises and projects as part of the classroom dynamics
  • develop a comfort level with using GAP and obtain enough knowledge of this software so that it can be used easily during a class
  • become a part of a network of other professors using this software in their classes
The workshop will meet live online for three hours each day, broken into two one and a half hour sessions. Prior to attending the workshop, the participants will be expected to complete a short tutorial (provided by the presenters) on the installation and basics of the software GAP. During the workshop, specific computer projects that incorporate the software GAP into an abstract algebra class will be examined and discussed. Participants will work through these computer project examples and discuss how they can be useful in helping students comprehend basic abstract algebra concepts. During the workshop participants may also design their own classroom project that uses GAP and which can then be shared with the other participants near the end of the workshop. An electronic network will be set up for the participants that will provide a discussion forum on using software in abstract algebra.

Program Website: http://euler.slu.edu/GrantWebPages/PREP06AlgebraGap/index.html