Chau Pik Kei Yung Hoi Shuen *

1. Introduction

    Information Technology (IT) is in full bloom all over the world and it has been dominating our everyday lives since the early 90’s. IT brings us the advancement of knowledge in the 21st century and it also enriches the scope of our minds. In addition, the Internet’s popularity boosts the growth of activities and services related to electronic technology such as e-commerce and e-government services. There is an influence on education resulted from the rapid growth in the development of adopting IT in multimedia teaching. As scientific research is introduced to the integral reform of education, IT is guiding the change in educational thinking, teaching theory, teaching mode, and teaching technique. Despite the fact that many software for teaching and developing curriculum can be obtained in China and other countries, most of them are meant for teaching Mathematics at university level.1 Moreover, only a limited number of them is suitable for secondary schools amongst the various supplies.2 It is known that secondary school teachers in China are now using two platforms; the “Sketchpad for Geometry” and “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform”(abbr. “Z+Z”).3 The former was American-developed and distributed by “The People’s Education Press” and the latter was co-developed by Prof. J.Z. Zhang (The Academician) and Macau Eastern Technology Group Co., Ltd.

    “Z+Z” is brand new multimedia software to make the tedious geometry become an interesting subject. It is considered the only educational software program available in the world that can perform deduction through artificial intelligence and apply it to proving and problem solving. The software can demonstrate the conventional teaching materials in a new manner by utilizing colors and audio-visual aids. Hence, students can easily learn the geometric reasoning when the “Z+Z” program visualizes the abstract concepts.4

    In consideration of the society is showing a tendency to focus on scientific technology, IT and globalization, there is no doubt that only highly qualified professionals can take the absolute advantage to win in international competitions. The development of “Z+Z” is a neoteric task to the reform of Chinese core curriculum. Obviously, the software refines upon Chinese culture and it is valuable to the future development of education. “Z+Z” is recognized as a crucial achievement and it was recommended to elementary education within most Chinese provinces. Furthermore, the software was well received in many overseas countries. Ever since Japan, Russia and the Middle East had very much been attracted to “Z+Z”, they were proposing to adopt the software in their own countries.

    Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) realizes “Z+Z” is the new insight in the development of the scientific technology industry. This important product enables Macau’s enterprises to gain access to the Chinese market and to create an opportunity to explore the overseas markets. This paper is thus written and it concentrates on the mission, the description, the extent, and the characteristics of “Z+Z”, accompanying a preliminary discussion and an attempted analysis for its significance on education, the development of scientific technology, and the revelation of educational development in MSAR.

    *  Authors’ names are arranged alphabetically. Chau Pik Kei is a postgraduate in Software Engineering of Faculty of Science and Technology at University of Macau. Yung Hoi Shuen is a postgraduate in Public Administration of Faculty of Social Science & Humanities at University of Macau.

2. What is “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform”?

2.1 Background and Mission

    Generally speaking, Mathematics is encountered as a branch of philosophy or it is the science of relationships between numbers and between spatial configuration in existence.5 Anyhow, Mathematics is now widely applied to other branches of science. All too often the conservative comprehension is restricted to the logical or systematical analysis of Mathematics, but the true interpretation of the learning process of Mathematics does not come into view. As a matter of fact, teachers and students always neglect the true practice of Mathematics, they commonly perceive Mathematics is merely to produce proofs supporting theorems and calculations. Probing in depth is necessary for an explicit understanding of how Mathematics can affect the psychological development of students. While students are resolving the mathematical problems, they learn about the cooperation and sharing between them. In a manner of speaking, the insight would help them realize the application of Mathematics in real life. The latest development in informative education causes some intensive consequences to the purpose, the value and the content of Mathematics education. Besides, the design of curriculum and the progression in Mathematics are well aware of the prominent role of information technology.6

    The renowned mathematician, Prof. J.Z. Zhang (the Academician), determined to develop an educational software to ignite students’ creativity and thinking aptitude regarding the reform of teaching materials for geometry. The success of “Z+Z” becomes the remarkable invention in the new era; it promotes the prosperity in the market of Chinese branded educational software. “Z+Z” encourages the reform in Mathematics curriculum, which accommodates to quality education for primary and secondary schools.7 Macau Eastern Technology Group Co., Ltd collaborated with Prof. Zhang and his team of scientists to develop multimedia educational software, the software is named “Z+Z” on account of the initial letter of two Chinese Pinyin words; Zhishi (knowledge) and Zhineng (intelligence). 8 “Z+Z” is compatible with the current software use as Chinese teaching materials and it supports the development of teaching in Mathematics.

2.2 Characteristics of “Z+Z” software

    “Z+Z” provides a new educational platform to science subjects for secondary schools offering ten different varieties. Amongst theses subjects are Plane Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Solid Geometry, Trigonometric Function, Elementary Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Elementary Physics, Advanced Physics, Elementary Chemistry, and Advanced Chemistry. As mentioned earlier, “Z+Z” can perform deduction reasoning through artificial intelligence to proof and problem solving. “Z+Z” provides readily designed templates and user-designed worksheets; teachers can also use the software to create course materials that integrate with the approved Mathematics teaching materials in experimental zones.9

    Table 1 : Features and functions of Plane Geometry and Analytic Geometry in
“Z+Z”

    Source : “Comprising Z+Z Intelligent Educational Software as teaching materials in
the mainland” posted in Hong Kong WenWei Pao on November 4, 2003, page
A15

In referring to major characteristics of “Z+Z” software, they are classified as follows:

    2.2.1) “Z+Z” is a common platform with comprehensive scientific knowledge. The readily available platforms are Plane Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Solid Geometry, Trigonometric Function, and Elementary Algebra. Each platform is suitable for teaching purpose and they are intended for teachers and students from different backgrounds.

    2.2.2) “Z+Z” platform is a device with the functions of data banks and toolbox. The software is available with built-in spreadsheets and mathematical resources. However, using the command programming for immediate conversation of 3D sketches and capable for various curves. Hence, 3D constructions can be displayed in rotation, dilation, reduction, and separation. In addition, the toolbox can perform functions such as animated presentation, text mode, statistical graphs, programming, freehand writing, and drawing.

    2.2.3) “Z+Z” is an intelligent platform. It is simple to prepare and arrange complicated course materials with this creative software. A skillful teacher can prepare the electronic spreadsheets within an hour in advance and a question can also be created simply in fewer than 3 minutes during the lesson. “Z+Z” works well as an intelligent blackboard with overhead projector and computer in the classroom, so the prepared multimedia teaching materials can be displayed systemically along with any probable adjustment.

    2.2.4) “Z+Z” supports OLE and links. Likewise, the software can freely take up Flash animation and other multimedia outsourcing. The built-in sketches are transferable to WMF format and they can be pasted onto the MS Word or WPS files.10 “Z+Z” overcomes the problem of software compatibility, its users can design the coursework display according to their personal preference. As a result, “Z+Z” ensures quality education, minimizes the teaching resources, and raises the interest in learning.

2.3 The experimental scheme of “Z+Z” software

    Successful software is feasible to combine teaching materials, teachers and students would indeed maximize its effectiveness. The prime aim of experimental research in “Z+Z as Reform in National Mathematics Curriculum ” is to promote the use of scientific technology in Mathematics teaching for quality education in primary and secondary schools.11 Following the assessment for “Z+Z for 7th-9th grade Mathematics” by “The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard“ of Beijing Normal University in June 2003, this New Century Edition had also obtained the approval by “Curriculum Development Centre in Basic Education” of Ministry of Education.

    The experiment was carried out in 26 emphasized secondary schools in Hainan, Anhui, Harbi, Liaoning, Shangdong, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Hubei province, Guangxi and Chongxi. Simultaneously, the participants were bound to take “Voluntary Curriculum Standard: 7th grade Mathematics, volume 1” as their experimental text books.12 The “Z+Z for 7th to 12th grade” was permitted for issue and promotion in the trial zones subject to the approval by “Committee of Experts on Core Curriculum Resources” of Beijing Normal University in September 2003.13 There are five main objectives of the experimental research14 :

    i) To study the design of teaching material with IT application.
    ii) To set up case study to verify whether the mentioned teaching materials are suitable for teachers and students.
    iii) To collect effective examples using “Z+Z” software in teaching
Mathematics and learning activities.
    iv) To investigate whether students are educated in Mathematics learning activities with applied technology.
    v) To train Mathematics teachers using IT efficiently in their teachings.

    In the end, the participating teachers are required to submit reports to demonstrate the proficiency of the scheme. It is expected further understanding on the scheme can be derived from the answers to questions such as:

    Is the scheme benefit to Mathematics education?
Can the scheme initiate students’ learning interest?
How does the scheme affect the structure of curriculum?

3. The significance of “Z+Z” to education

    The R&D of “Z+Z” is devoted to education. It is an interactive platform with multifarious development that benefits to both teachers and students. The software enables teachers to prepare their teaching materials conveniently. On the other hand, students can make use of “Z+Z” to approach a new horizon of thinking and creativity. After a trial period of one year, the finding of the influence of “Z+Z” to education and its effectiveness are summarized as below:

3.1 To shorten the training cycle

    The growth of thinking & creativity, civilization & advancement of society and human resources development are all said to be ruled by Mathematics. “Mathematics is an important science to the psychological and physiological enlightenment of human. Geometry is the only subject that consolidates the figures and logic, however, not any other subjects can be reasoned with graphs. Geometry can benefit us lifelong since it involves sensibility and rational…” cited by Prof. Zhang.15

    There is a belief that the best basic education determines whether a country can take the leading role in the world. The training of human resources should keep pace with all the developments in IT. The progress of “Z+Z” is contributory to shorten the training cycle. “Z+Z” is the stepping stone for future reform in education and is particularly significant to teaching and learning.

3.2 As a good partner to the reform of education

    Students customarily learn from their teachers. In fact, teachers or students would be tedious with the teaching mode, teaching philosophy, curriculum design or learning atmosphere. As IT becomes more common, teachers and students should take their initiatives in participation, interaction, and sharing to accomplish the 3D objectives of the educational reform.

    The 3D objectives can be achievable during the experiment of applying “Z+Z” in educational reform. These objectives are described as the following generalization: Pursuing knowledge & skill, practicing the affective behavior and learning the sense of value. The teaching method and learning attitude must integrate with teachers, students, teaching materials, and learning atmosphere. Having learned the experience from an experimental site in Mengjin, the commentary indicated that “Z+Z” uniquely met students’ needs for their intellectual developments.16

3.3 To promote quality teaching and learning

    Teachers can prepare lessons more efficiently with “Z+Z” to create their course materials with the toolbox in the software. In other words, teachers can possibly spare more time on curriculum design. At the same time, the animated presentation of “Z+Z” helps students improve their comprehending ability. For instance, they can acquire a sound understanding of plane transformations via using the multimedia functions. Subsequently, teaching and learning are beneficial by using “Z+Z”.

3.4 To inspire students thinking and intelligence

    Teaching by telling is the traditional approach but it is an ineffective instruction
mode for most students. Therefore, an educational reform is necessary. It is
suggested that the emphasis should be on problem-solving skill and exploration.
“Z+Z” is specially designed to engage students in active learning. Teachers are
encouraged to instruct their students using the software by themselves. According
to the finding of an experimental site in Hubei, students were flexible to the new
learning mode. Evidences were presented that students had developed critical
thinking and judgment abilities, so they could have opportunities to question,
analyze, and explore. Hence, the students’ intellectual level was automatically
elevated.17

4. The difficulties for “Z+Z” to overcome

    The application of “Z+Z” is a new teaching method and surely is one of the best resources to reforming school’s core curriculum. Nevertheless, its development is in the beginning stage and it is understandable that more practices and enhancements are required to popularize the using of “Z+Z” software to teaching. At this point, we should pay our attention to the following problems found during the application and promotion of the software. As long as the economic growth in China is speedy with constant improvement in the general education, it is implied that conceptual change would lead to better civic understanding. Eventually, such partial and technical problems will be solved gradually in the near future.

    4.1 The application of “Z+Z” is now on trial in 12 zones in China. The comparable facility and hardware are needed before “Z+Z” can be introduced to all schools. Students will not benefit from “Z+Z” unless they have opportunities to use the software on their own. However, it has financial difficulty to equip every school with essential facilities. The popularization of “Z+Z” will heavily depend on sufficient government funding to the schools.

    4.2 Although IT has been consistently applying in electronic education, the computer proficiency of some teachers is relatively inadequate. Due to the variation in proficiency, it is impossible that all teachers may improve their teaching efficiency even though they have engaged in the interactive education. At any cost, schools should provide appropriate training to their teachers on the operation of software.

    4.3 “Z+Z” software was intentionally developed for Mathematics to be taught in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. There are more than 10 assortments available in simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and English. At present, “Plane Geometry Intelligent Educational Platform” and “Analytic Geometry Intelligent Platform” are already approved by the “Committee for evaluation of teaching materials for primary and secondary schools” of Chinese Ministry of Education. They are eligible for circulation and promotion as the teaching materials in the trial zones. The software is not yet congruous with Mathematics curriculum in all regions because syllabuses are different between the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Except that “Z+Z” can overcome the educational discrepancy geographically, it will obstruct the popularization of the software in these regions.

    4.4 “Z+Z” is an educational software with diversified functions, only skillful users can operate the software meticulously. From Mathematics teachers’ viewpoint, they would presume an increase in their workload as to become artificers in “Z+Z”. It will be helpful to teachers if the interface is simplified and supplied with a step-by-step instruction. When users are following the instruction to complete their design, they become accustomed to the operation. Once the technical hindrance is eliminated, users will be delighted to operate the “Z+Z” software easily.

5. “Z+Z” and MSAR

    “Z+Z” is the fruit of the collaboration between Prof. Zhang and Macau Eastern Technology Group Co., Ltd. The software complies with national standard in China and also becomes an internationally known product. There are questions to be raised to investigate into the effect of “Z+Z” to MSAR. How does “Z+Z” affect MSAR in respect of enterprises, scientific technology and education? What are MSAR’s strategies towards the swift development of scientific technology?

5.1 A pride to Macau enterprises

    “Z+Z” software was developed by Macau Eastern Technology Group Co., Ltd., the group is a union of investors from the US, Hong Kong and Macau with a number of famous scientists and academicians from the “Chinese Academy of Science”. The manufacturing facilities are set up in Macau’s first technology park, which is located in Concordia Industrial Park, for the production of hi-tech software and integrated circuits. The group is the only enterprise focus on R&D and development of hi-tech software in MSAR. “Z+Z” is highly remarked by both Chinese and international educational organizations. The “Z+Z” software has promoted the fame of Macau enterprises in China and other countries, it made a dynamic drive to the R&D of scientific technology in MSAR.

5.2 To promote in China and overseas markets

    “Z+Z” Mathematics software is recruited as the national standard curriculum for primary and secondary schools. Furthermore, “Z+Z” Physics and Chemistry software, which came into operation under the research of experimental reform, were approved by “Materials for Curriculum Development Centre in Basic Education” of Ministry of Education in September 2003.18 Per statistical record in 2002, the number of existing primary schools and secondary schools in China are 456900 and 65600 respectively.19 However, only 26 of them are participating in the experimental scheme. Thus, Macau’s software development enterprises will get an immense market if the “Z+Z” software is widespread in China.

    Macau Eastern Technology Group Co., Ltd. is working with an American organization for appropriate educational platforms to the US market. For marketing “Z+Z” to the global markets, the group has assigned “World Intellectual Property Trading International Company Limited” to be responsible for research strategy and image promotion. WIPTICL has written to the “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” elaborating the significance of “Z+Z”. It is believed that international organizations will assist the promotion as soon as the software complies with their requirements. Thus, the benefits of “Z+Z” will be recommended to educational departments in different countries and regions.20 For now, the gambling and tourism industry are taking the largest shares in Macau’s economy. Any future success in “Z+Z” will definitely strengthen the manufacturing industry of scientific technology and change the economic structure of Macau.

5.3 To motivate the development of education in Macau

    As time goes by, many of the educational institutions in Macau have revolutions in their teaching philosophies and education visions. Correspondingly, the MSAR government has reviewed and modified the education system to motivate the development of e-education and to optimize computerized teaching facilities.21 Since the reform is still an early stage, the government may consider adopting “Z+Z” software to the curriculum. The software can be initially equipped and monitored in selected schools and the government will decide whether “Z+Z” is efficacious for further promotion after the trial period. The intellectual level and civilian life for Macau’s students will be improved with quality education and updated teaching mode in due course.

5.4 To promote the development of manufacturing industry of scientific technology in Macau

    The “Office for the Development of Telecommunications and Information Technology” (GDTTI) was established as soon as the constitution of MSAR government in 2000. Complying with the article for Scientific Technology under the Basic Law, GDTTI is appointed to promoting and supporting the development of scientific technology in Macau. GDTTI should work closely with the “Committee of Scientific Technology” in coordination between local entrepreneurs and distinguished scholars. In the long term, the office is responsible for identifying the potential and introducing policies for the development of scientific technology in Macau.

    The impressive development of “Z+Z” has proven that Macau’s scientific technology has attained the international standard. The commitment of ‘Z+Z” has injected expectation into the development of the industry. Either the small & medium enterprises or the evolved enterprises need innovation to increase their productivity for added-value products. Make hay while the sun shines: Macau should take advantage of the great capabilities of scientific technology to become competent in the international market.

6. Conclusion
    “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform” is an edification of scientific technology in the 21st century, it is the only educational software program available in the world that can perform deduction through artificial intelligence and apply it to proof and problem solving. “Z+Z” has already gained the international regard in sight of its importance to education and human resources. “Z+Z” is the mechanism to educational reforms and its application makes definite advantages to teaching and learning. In the future, “Z+Z” will encounter many difficulties and challenges and it requires appropriate improvements and reinforcements. In the meantime, the new product development schedule is fixed for subsequent R&D and manufacturing new software base upon the existing “Z+Z”. The proposed items include software for primary and university levels, question banks for all levels, software for arts subjects, and school management software.22 Macau entrepreneurs are proud to be involved the development of “Z+Z”, they look for the opportunity to develop high quality software for education and other fields. Macau will be contributive to the modernized industries and will keep promoting the Chinese culture.

Appendix : Printed screens of “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform”

Illustration 1 : content of “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform”

    The following example shows how “Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform” works. It demonstrates its versatility and diversity in solving mathematical equations. Students can comprehend the relationships between different values in the question and they will be able to understand the theory and the method leading to the solution.

Example 1.

Question : How old are you ? (Using a Linear equation in one unknown to get the solution)

    In this example, teachers can first design the question and conceal the answer. Students will click “Answer” to confirm the solution after they have completed their calculations. (Please see illustration 2-6 for demonstration)

Illustration 2 : Click “answer” to view the solution

Illustration 3 : The solution of the equation can be shown or concealed

Through this example, the unknown can be worked out using the “Z+Z” program. Since the dots on the axis represent different values in the equation, teachers can move the position of the dot to change the assumed value in the equation for a different solution.

Illustration 4 : The assumed value in the equation is adjustable

Illustration 5 : A new solution with the change in assumed value

Annotation :

1. JZ. Zhang : “Why do we develop Z+Z?” posted in “Report on experiment in mathematical teaching materials, New Century Edition”; p.8 of issue 6, 2003 (“The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University)

2. “Comprising Z+Z Intelligent Educational Software as a teaching materials in mainland China” (Hong Kong WenWei Pao, 4 November 2003, page A15 )

3. Shi Zheng : “How far are we from networked education ? (Downloaded on 30 January 2004 from http://www.zplus.org/News/ReadNews.aspx?NewsID=661F5457-F6D8-4402-A009-
8C0242C07A85 )

4. See related news from “The great mathematician, JZ. Zhang, created the revolutionary Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform” ( HK Daily News, 20 May 2003, page C11 )

5. “Modern Chinese-English Dictionary”, P.1791 (Foreign Language and Research Press, 2002 edition)

6. This is one of the six fundamental ideas from revised Mathematics curriculum standard Part 1. Also refer to Y.L Li : “A brief discussion on the application of Z+Z Intelligent Education Platform in revised curriculum standard” (downloaded on 30 January 2004 from http://www.zplus.org/News/ReadNews.aspx?NewsID=4D5E8AB1-5172-45c8-AEA4-002F3696AEF)
7. “National software for basic educational resources : Research in the experiment of applying Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform in national Mathematics curriculum reform ”, photocopy (“Curriculum Development Centre in Basic Education” of Ministry of Education), photocopy

8. Y.L Li : “A brief discussion on the application of Z+Z Intelligent Education Platform in
revised curriculum standard” (downloaded on 30 January 2004 from
http://www.zplus.org/News/ReadNews.aspx?NewsID=4D5E8AB1-5172-
45C8-AEA4- 002F3664AEF )

9. “Appointing Intelligent software as national teaching materials” (Hong Kong WenWei Pao,
1 October 2003, P. C4 )

10. The characteristics of “Z+Z” were extracted from J.Z. Zhang : “Why do we develop Z+Z?” posted in “Report on experiment in mathematical teaching materials in new century”, p.8 of issue 6 of 2003 (“The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University) and Cheng Kai : “To exploit Z+Z Intelligent Platform, to improve efficiency in curriculum reform” (downloaded on 2 February 2004 from http://www.zplusz.org/News/ReadNews.aspx?NewsID=F1551799-F73F-4619-BE09-21EFE7873F46 )

11. “Research in the experiment of applying Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform in national Mathematics curriculum reform and the implementation in selected schools: ” ( “Curriculum Development Centre in Basic Education” of Ministry of Education ), photocopy

12. Letter from “The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University to “Research Centre of Core Curriculum” of Ministry of Education, photocopy

13. Letter from “The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University , photocopy of Notice of “The review and comments on the development of software as curriculum resources”

14. Letter from “The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University , photocopy
15. “ The great mathematician and his educational platform” ( Shenzhen SAR Post,
17 October 2001, Page B1)

16. D.Z. Guo, X.Y. Zhu, J.Y.Fan : Research in education with open classroom and quality
education in Mengji posted in “Report on experiment in mathematical teaching materials,
New Century Edition”; p.7-8 of issue 6, 2003 (“The Committee of Experimental Teaching
Materials for National Core Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University )

17. J.H Zhu : “A brief discussion on the application of Z+Z Intelligent Educational Software in
teaching elementary Mathematics” (downloaded on 29 January 2004 from
http://www.zplus.org/News?ReadNews.aspx?NewsID=4D5E8AB1-5172-AEA4-
002F36964AEF )

18. “National software for basic educational resources : Research in the experiment of applying
Z+Z Intelligent Educational Platform in national Physic and Chemistry curriculum reform ”,
(“Curriculum Development Centre in Basic Education” of Ministry of Education), photocopy

19. Letter from “The Committee of Experimental Teaching Materials for National Core
Curriculum Standard” of Beijing Normal University , photocopy of “The declaration of the
statistics of development in national education in 2002 by Ministry of Education.”,
photocopy

20. “M.S. Ng took the mission on the development of Chinese educational software, investing
heavily” (Hong Kong WenWei Pao, 2 February 2004; Page C3)

21. “Policy Address for the financial year 2004”, P26-27 (Macau Special Administrative
Region, 2004)

22. Please refer to P19