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Lurch: Software for Teaching Mathematical Proofs
Word processing software verifies spelling with a "spell-checker."
So why do mathematical word processors have no general-purpose "math checker" to
verify users' work? The answer is that building one
is a nontrivial task! But the Lurch
project aims to do just that. The Lurch team is finishing the first of
three years of development.
Lurch will be a mathematical word processor in which users
will choose which rules and theorems they wish to use,
and Lurch will only allow them to manipulate mathematical
expressions according to those rules and theorems.
Instructors choose a starting set of foundational rules,
and add the theorems needed in their particular course or assignment.
Then they can assign students homework to be done
using those rules, in Lurch.
The students guide Lurch in the application of those rules.
Lurch handles the mechanics
and the students provide the understanding and insight.
Although particularly intended for proof-based courses,
this design can also incorporate computational work.
Participants in this workshop will
- get hands-on experience with the current state of the software,
from both students' and instructors' viewpoints,
- receive instruction on how to integrate Lurch into their courses,
- hear where the project intends to go in the next two years, and
- be able to influence the future of the project by giving their opinion
on changes, enhancements, and new features.
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