Omega - a free online Computer Algebra System Explorer

Michael Xue
Vroom Laboratory for Advanced Computing (US)
mxue@vroomlab.com

Abstract

Online courses have become the medium of choice for students who cannot
otherwise attend in a traditional classroom setting.  Online distance education 
allows students to take courses in the convenience of their home or office, at 
their leisure, free of the distractions of campus life, without commute, while 
at the same time being provided with almost instantaneous access to the
instructor and course materials.  However, the lack of access to Computer
Algebra System, traditionally exists only in computer labs on campus can be a
significant detriment to online classes.  In this presentation, we will
introduce Omega, a free online Computer Algebra System (CAS) Explorer that
provides user with immense power in both symbolic and numeric computing.  To
use Omega, only a web browser is required.  User composes and submits
mathematical query using a calculator-like graphical user interface.  Upon
submission, the query is processed by Omega's CAS engine, and the result is
displayed in text or graphic formats.  Omega can be accessed from
desktop/laptop computers, ipad/tablets, and smartphones.  It is compatible with
all major web browsers. Different CAS can be plugged in as Omega’s underlying
engine.

Keywords

free, online education, calculator, graphing, maxima, CAS, distance learning