🚀 go-pugleaf

   I got the demo version of ProSolv along with promotional material for
a textbook, and to be honest I was not impressed.  The demonstration
version turned problem "solving" into a passive activity that the
students could watch by pressing a key on the computer.  I prefer making
the students actually DO things themselves.
   While I'm on this subject, I'd like to comment that it is my
impression that much of the software coming on the market is not
being used properly.  For example, symbolic algebra programs like
Maple are being used to solve very elementary problems instead
of very difficult ones.  Even at the basic arithmetic level, students
are encouraged to use calculators for everything, even trivial
problems like multiplying or dividing by 10.  My own personal
opinion is that these technological marvels should be used to
extend our ability to solve very difficult problems.  They
should not be used as substitutes for basic skills.

Steve Luzader
Frostburg State University
sluzader@fre.fsu.umd.edu