following letter quoted from Fox Chapel Area High School:

I would like to take this opportunity to nominate John Anderson for a Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievement in Education. Mr. Anderson has developed an intelligent algebra tutor for use with computers which enhances students' abilities to learn algebra.

I have been utilizing the tutor in my Algebra classes for the 1995-1996 school year at Fox Chapel Area High School and these are my observations:

* Students are more enthusiastic about learning not only about algebra but mathematics in general.

* As students work with the Algebra tutor they are, in my opinion, learning concepts better than from traditional approaches.

* Students seem to be less intimidated by problem solving situations and are more willing to attempt solutions to new problems.

* Students progress at their own pace and are permitted to practice a skill until mastery.

* Students with learning disabilities are getting problems presented to them in a variety of ways which helps with their understanding.

* Students are actively engaged in doing mathematics. Students are spending 40-50 hours working on problem solving techniques.

From my view as a teacher, I find that I am more actively involved in the mathematical education of students. I am working with the students on a one-to-one situation on a daily basis. I, therefore, can now assess students' strengths and weaknesses by personal observation. Students are more willing to ask for assistance while working on the tutor and the are receiving immediate feedback to assist them in problem solving. I also like the functional approach to the learning of algebra and the utilization of graphing in the problem situations.

From a parents perspective, they are reporting that students are more enthusiastic about mathematics and value the need for the problem solving approach.

In my opinion, the intelligent algebra tutor is utilizing the power of technology to improve learning for the student, the teacher, and the parent. I feel that John Anderson is an excellent candidate to receive a Charles A. Dana Foundation Award for Pioneering Achievement in Education.


Sincerely,

Robert P. Janosko