Missouri Section NExT Meeting Spring 2025
Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Thursday, April 3, 2025
MO NExT Reception
7:00pm-8:00pm CT
Tegeler Hall Lobby
MO NExT Members and invited guests, join us for an hour of mathematical camaraderie!
Friday, April 4, 2025
8:30am-9:30am CT
Tegeler Hall, Room 103
Every Game I’m Shufflin’, Shufflin’
Dr. Steve Butler
Morrill Professor, Mathematics
Iowa State University
Abstract
Shuffling is a well-known aspect of gameplay to help make the decks "sufficiently random" to make the game interesting. Shuffling is also a source of mathematical exploration where shuffles are thought of as permutations of the cards. In this talk, we will take some tools of mathematics, modular arithmetic, and binary numbers, and show how we can apply these to shuffling, and in particular, some simple-to-learn mathematically-based card tricks, which will be performed live. Along the way, we will also learn why we should never work with jokers.
10:00am-11:00am CT
Tegeler Hall, Room 103
Streamlining Online Mathematics Homework: A Practical Guide to MyOpenMath.com and LMS Integration
Matthias Wood
Instructor, Mathematics
Lindenwood University
Abstract
Implementing Open Education Resources (OER) presents an exciting opportunity to enhance student learning by reducing cost. This presentation addresses the challenge of effective implementation of OER-based homework systems, especially within the Learning Management System (LMS) of Canvas, by providing a practical demonstration and tutorial of MyOpenMath.com - a free online platform designed to create and deliver dynamic questions and assignments. Specifically, this session will showcase how MyOpenMath.com facilitates the development of algorithmically generated questions, dynamic feedback, and innovative video-queued assignments, all of which contribute to a more interactive and supportive learning environment. I will highlight the student experience, demonstrate seamless integration with Canvas or standalone deployment, and then guide participants through the process of creating video-queued and traditional homework/exam assignments. This presentation aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively utilize MyOpenMath.com in their own courses. Attendees are encouraged to request a free instructor account at MyOpenMath.com (hyperlink) and bring a laptop to participate in the hands-on tutorial.