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Using Java to Create Interactive Diagrams
As textbooks and other instructional material get converted to web deliverable HTML pages,
many of them retain their static nature not taking advantage of the interactive
capabilities computers offer. One of the most interesting applications of Java is
interactive diagrams - taking diagrams that illustrate a concept
and adding simple input. These are small applets with very simple input.
In many cases we simply take an existing diagram that illustrates
a concept and add a couple of sliders to let the student modify
the diagram. As you look at these examples please note you've probably
seen every graphic in a textbook, but it's much more engaging in this
format. Also note some of the input methods differ from the usual GUI
widgets we're used to to (hopefully) be more natural and intuitive.
For example, in the Reducing Fractions applet the user 'crosses out'
numbers in the numerator and denominator just as they would with
pencil and paper. In the Bits and Bytes example the student 'flips'
on screen switches.
Send this link to your favorite math teacher!
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