What is Java?
Java is a portable programming language that gives us the ability to write programs that run on client machines -- that is, that run on the student workstations.
Reusability
If we are to make real progress as we exploit Java and other new technologies to improve science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education we must build on each other's work. The key concept here is reusability. Instead of each of us having to reinvent all the wheels we need, we need to reuse other people's wheels. In this spirit, permission is hereby granted to use any of the Java applets listed on this page for any noncommercial purpose. If you do use any of these applets you should credit the Connected Curriculum Project as the source.
Why Java?
The most important feature of the Connected Curriculum Project is that it is designed for active student use and exploration. Student activity is supported by five kinds of technology.
The first three technologies in the list above are by far the best -- they encourage students to explore their own ideas. They are very flexible; they are very powerful; and they can be used in many different ways at the students' initiative. Java applets are more limited and more structured. They can be much easier to use and they can be much more striking. Movies and other canned demonstrations are even easier to use and they can be polished and striking but they allow only very structured interaction and choice.
As we write material for the Connected Curriculum Project we often have a choice between the more structured, easy-to-use, and elegant interactions typical of Java applets and canned demonstrations and the more open kinds of interaction typical of computer algebra systems, the TI-CBL and hypertext. In addition, students working with computer algebra systems, the TI-CBL, and the Web build up general purpose skills that will be useful in other contexts. Although in any given situation a Java applet may be best because it is to-the-point, easy-to-use, and elegant, in practice we need to emphasize the more general purpose tools because they give students a base for exploration of their own. In the spectrum of interactive technology Java allows for more flexible interaction than movies and canned demonstrations and this is its main value.