Microsoft’s Education Labs launched a new project this afternoon and it’s better on trees and the environment. The group just announced a new Math Worksheet Generator where teachers can generate math problems and email them in paperless Word format to their students. In addition to Math Worksheet Generator, the group also announced plans for two additional projects to be released in the Fall.
Math Worksheet Generator: Built on top of Microsoft’s math engine, this product is for teachers who want their students to get more problem solving practice. Instead of having to search for new worksheets or photocopy old ones, teachers can enter a sample problem and the generator determines the structure of the expression. From here the tool produces similar problems and generates a matching answer sheet. Teachers can use this tool for their entire class or tailor worksheets to individual work plans.
Microsoft Folder-based Sites:: Education Labs also announced plans to roll out a website creator in mid-October. With this tool, teachers will be able to convert Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents into html files. From here the files can be shared with students as web pages and all the files are hosted at no cost through Microsoft. The group is currently testing different admin rights in order to allow for student uploads.
Flash Cards: This product allows you to create and browse flash card decks and create favorites with your Windows Live ID. Teachers create decks by adding images, text and sound to their cards. From here students flip through the decks in Silverlight 3. One interesting part of this project is that as students answer questions, the software remembers incorrect answers and prompts those problem cards more frequently. This project is due before 2010.
For more information on these projects, visit Educationlabs.com or check out the 30 minute demo video at the bottom of the Math Generator page.
