Jeff Mortensen

SPACE-TIME FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE OPERATORS

Evolution equations for anomalous diusion employ fractional deriva- tives in space and time. Linkage between the space-time variables leads to a new type of fractional derivative operator. This paper develops the mathe- matical foundations of those operators.

On-line engineering mathematics testing and assessment

The authors are currently developing a new strategy for mathematics assessment and remediation at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), USA. As part of this strategy, electrical engineering students take an online test of their ability to use mathematics to solve con text-based problems. In this paper, the authors report on the result of the computer test for students in an electrical engineering orientation class at UNR. The results indicate a reluctance on the part of the students to accept their mathematics deficiencies, which hinders any attempt at remediation to reduce attrition.

A new on-line testing and remediation strategy for engineering mathematics

It is well documented that there is currently an unsatisfied need in industry for more qualified engineers, and a disturbing decline in college students opting for technical degrees. Part of the problem is the high attrition rate among engineering majors, which can be attributed in large part to problems with mathematics. In addition, the Accreditation Board on Engineering and Technology (ABET) has adopted a new set of criteria for evaluating engineering programs, which is outcome-based rather than course-based. The ABET 2000 criteria require that the institution formulate educational objectives, then assess their educational strategies. We are currently developing a strategy using Web-based mathematics examinations, tutoring and advising to help improve retention of engineering students and to address ABETs outcomes-based assessment. This paper describes the software used in our on-line testing and the exam questions we designed based on electrical engineering applications.