Innovations in Teaching Abstract Algebra

Abstract of article: In 1989, Ladnor Geissinger (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) developed an extraordinary DOS program called Exploring Small Groups (ESG) for students learning beginning group theory. In 1996, Ellen Maycock Parker from Depauw University augmented ESG with a series of labs and instructional materials. In this paper we describe a Windows-based program called Finite Group Behavior (FGB) that improves on the capabilities and instructional power of ESG. The program is available free of charge from our web site. In this article we discuss the features and philosophy of FGB and we offer some suggestions for its use. In conjunction with Parker's labs, our perspective gives the instructor of beginning abstract algebra some good ideas about using FGB to convey the intricacies of group theory as well as the sense of discovery that any research mathematician knows intimately.

About the authors: Ed Keppelmann is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Nevada in Reno. He is an active member of the MAA and does research in Nielsen fixed point and periodic point theory.

Bayard Webb is the creator of Finite Group Behavior. He has B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Nevada Reno. He currently works for International Game Technology where he designs slot machines and other games for casinos around the world.

Software used: Finite Group Behavior (FGB)

Links mentioned in article: MAGMA software