Innovations in Teaching Abstract Algebra

Abstract of article: ISETL stands for Interactive SET Language. It is a mathematical programming language whose syntax resembles standard mathematical notation. In this paper I describe how I use ISETL in my abstract algebra class at Luther College. Many examples of ISETL programming code are included, so interested instructors can easily evaluate the usefulness of this tool for their classes.

About the author: Ruth Berger is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She earned her Ph.D. in algebraic number theory from Louisiana State University in 1988 and then taught at Memphis State University for five years. In 1993 she came to Luther College where she enjoys the emphasis on good teaching and the student-oriented atmosphere.

Software used: ISETL