EAST proposes to investigate the feasibility of building a comprehensive learning system called, METAMATH, for improving the mathematical literacy of adults using CD-ROM technology. Having researched metacognition applications for military training and education, EAST is proposing a software architecture that combines the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics with 21st century teaching and learning technologies to provide an exceptional effective product for adult education in pre-high school mathematics.The central theme of the proposed approach is to incorporate practical problems from adult life experiences inside an advanced instructional medium to capture and hold the attention of adult learners during continued usage. Required curriculum elements for grades 1-8 will be distributed across an array of projects. Phase I assesses the feasibility of incorporating software for assessing the student's learning style while varying the instructional content in a manner appropriate to other styles. The design will make appropriate, not extravagant, use of multimedia elements such as sound, video, and animation. The design also will make liberal use object manipulation and intuitive graphical user interfaces. Finally, the Phase I project will result in a set of storyboards for practical project to be converted and mastered to CD-ROM. The storyboards will be used to create a working prototype during Phase II.Summary Of Anticipated Results And Implications:This topic will result in an innovative meta cognitive product, which can be used in a learning center as a supplement to classroom instruction for adult learners in mathematics to the 8th grade level. The focus on practical applications will encourage continuation toward a high school diploma or GED, but will also help educators recapture adults who slipped through the cracks when receiving primary mathematics instruction as children and teenagers. In addition, the projects will contain material directly applicable to trade and vocational school mathematics.
