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UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Applied Mathematics: Math Visualization Toolkit Wins Educational Software Award

In mathematics, seeing can be understanding, especially when it comes to the complex structures that often confound beginning students. Graphing two variables using spherical coordinates, for example, can be a difficult concept to grasp without a three-dimensional graphics tool.

Students in Applied Mathematics at CU-Boulder have developed just such a tool, which uses the visual power of the computer to enhance learning in the mathematical sciences. Now students are able to visualize graphs, use linear algebra operations, and study numerical algorithms, greatly enhancing their understanding of these mathematical ideas.

The Math Visualization Toolkit (MVT) was developed by undergraduate and graduate students, working with industry professionals at Sun Microsystems" Educational Services division. CU Professor James Curry initiated the MVT project in 1998 to encourage the development of innovative software for student and classroom use, and to establish a long-term relationship with a local industrial partner. Over 20 student interns have worked on MVT since 1998, and they have been vital to MVT's development and success.

In 2003, MVT received the International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics Award for Excellence and Innovation with the use of technology.

MVT also is available to the public and has been used in workshops for high school and middle school mathematics teachers. To access the Math Visualization Toolkit, go to amath.colorado.edu/java/mvt3.0

amath.colorado.edu