Abstract

Mathematics is the stumbling block for many engineering students worldwide, often due to a lack of a feel for the subject. In order not to disenfranchise and subsequently fail otherwise capable students, every effort has to be made to enhance their feel for, and hence understanding of, mathematics. A project is aimed at deepening student mathematical understanding and is funded from Learning and Teaching Development initiative of Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, England, UK, and the bursary accompanying a UK National Teaching Fellowship. This project has resulted in the translation of some Visual Basic mathematics programs into Java applets (small programs that run through Internet browsers such as Internet Explorer and Netscape) delivered on the Internet Web site, MathinSite. This article presents an investigation into some of the causes and repercussions of the so-called mathematics problem including the need for projects such as MathinSite. MathinSite’s philosophy is examined, giving some reasons for choices made and an outline given of some of the problems and solutions encountered. The experiences described here could prove useful to others planning similar ventures.