Experimenting with MyOpenMath

MyOpenMath is a truly amazing OER (open educational resource). It is a platform that nearly functions as an LMS (learning management system) with links to electronic textbooks, interactive instructional materials such as videos, algorithmically generated math problems for student homework, grade book, forums, and the ability to adapt all or most of these features as an instructor. It essentially functions like MyMathLab or other commercial products, but it is free! What's especially cool is that it is possible to integrate it into Moodle via LTI (learning tools interoperability), which sounds complicated, but it's not impossible.

I used MyOpenMath for student homework in an online Math 10 class. Nearly all the types of problems that students must master in Math 10 are found in MyOpenMath; however, it required a great deal of modification to align the content with our course objectives. I also offered extra credit for students who moved on to practice Math 20 concepts, and a few did so.

When surveyed, 100% of respondents recommended using the same materials. In addition, 71% were very satisfied; 14% were somewhat satisfied, and 14% were neutral when asked about the MyOpenMath homework exercises. None reported dissatisfaction! (It should be noted that seven students completed the survey.)

Overall, I think it was a successful experiment.

And a big thank you goes out to David Lippman for developing and sharing this invaluable tool!