Dynamic and Interactive Mathematical Expressions (DIME) Maps
Through a collaborative effort between the College of Education and the College of Engineering, we have created a learning technology that can assist students in the self-guided research and ideate phases of the engineering design process. A Dynamic and Interactive Mathematical Expressions (DIME) map is an automatically generated map of the connections between mathematical equations, expressions, and variables (aka mathematical objects) found in a chosen PDF document (Beyette et al., 2019; Rugh et al., 2019). The user, generally a teacher or researcher, begins by uploading a PDF file of a desired textbook chapter to the DIME Map system, a machine-learning program that employs natural language processing methods to identify and define mathematical objects. The identified mathematical objects are then connected based on a set of logic rules and the resulting map is given to students as a resource to enhance learning.
As a self-guided learning tool, DIME maps are perfectly situated to assist in learning, especially when students are exploring knowledge at their own pace. This resource provides the organization of a week-long STEM PBL based on engineering design principles which utilizes DIME maps to improve students’ learning.