Mathwright
Microworlds
are multi-page documents that you may read online in your browser. You can
download and install the MathwrightWeb Player
by following the instructions below. You might like
to visit the Mathwright
Library, which enables members to build their own local collections and
read them offline. MathwrightWeb is written in Mathscript on top of LISP on
top of Java. The first version of Java I used was Microsoft's J++ 6.0, because
this enables a flexible and simple authoring environment (Mathwright32 Author)
and a friendly and transparent reader environment. The latest Java
version I used is Microsoft's
J#, which is part of the new polyglot .net platform.
You can view the Microworlds
online only in an ActiveX-enabled browser, such as Microsoft Internet
Explorer 5.0 or later, and you must be using one of the Windows 32-bit operating
systems.
My use of ActiveX controls
to support the Microworlds reflects a design decision that, after two years
experimentation with "pure" Java, I felt compelled to make. Since
my aim was to provide a point-and-click authoring environment that gave authors
as much freedom as possible to implement their ideas, and, at the same time,
to make the product of their work technologically transparent to students,
I found that I needed the full attention of a single compliant and mature
operating system. The Microsoft Windows operating system is the canvas on
which I have chosen to paint.
This
requires Microsoft's Java Virtual Machine (MSJVM). All versions of Windows
before Spring 2003 have the MSJVM, but Windows XP does not automatically install
it any more. This is because Microsoft will not have permission from Sun Microsystems
to upgrade its MSJVM after 2007.
Most
likely, you have the Microsoft JVM on your machine, and you will have no problem
reading our Microworlds in your browser or in your private collection of off-line
Microworlds. If you do not have the Microsoft JVM, however, the simplest solution
is to download the MSJVM and install it. I have Microsoft's permission to
distribute it to you, and you may download a free copy for
Windows 95/98/Me or XP here
(5MB).
If you are ready to continue,
please download the Personal MathwrightWeb ActiveX Control Version
2.15 (2.6 MB) now by clicking the "atom" below. You
may select "Open" or "Run from the current location" to
install the Control on your computer, or,
if you prefer, note where you Save it, and then run the saved program.
You
should then check that the Security Settings in your Microsoft Internet Explorer
browser under Tools, Internet Options, Security for the Internet, Custom
Level have
- "Run ActiveX Controls and Plugins" set either to enable or prompt, and
- "Initialize and Script ActiveX
Controls not marked as safe" set either to enable or prompt.
Once you have installed
the Player, you may close
this window and
continue on to Page 3.
