k12.ed.math FAQ

From: kem-moderator@k12groups.org (address updated since original posting)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Periodic Posting
Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 01:12:44 GMT
Message-ID: <34f07b7b.91844158@news.wenet.net>

Visit the k12.ed.math charter at
http://www.thinkspot.net/k12math/charter.html

contact the moderator by writing to:
kem-moderator@k12groups.org

Suggestions for amending this document welcome.
This document posted approximately weekly. Also available at
http://www.thinkspot.net/k12math/faq.html

This document will eventually have two parts:
1. Posting FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions on Posting to k12.ed.math)
2. coming soon:
Subject Area and Curriculum FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions on Math and Math Curriculum, kinder-12th grade)

Posting FAQ:
1. Does the moderator read each submitted message?
2. Can I ask for e-mail replies?
3. Can I ask for help with math homework problems?
4. Can I post a survey request?
5. Does the moderator edit submissions?
6. Can I post advertisements?
7. Will the moderator review my website, book, software, or other math product and post a review to the newsgroup?
8. Are websites announced in k12.ed.math reviewed and/or approved by the moderator?
9. Do I need to submit posts with a valid e-mail adress?

Subject Area and Curriculum FAQ:
(proposed questions, that at this time are not answered)
1. What is the origin of the use of "m" for slope?
2. Why is -1*-1 = 1?
3. What are some good websites for math?:

Posting FAQ
1. Does the moderator read each submitted message?
A: Yes.

2. Can I ask for e-mail replies?
A: It is generally considered impolite to post to Usenet newsgroups and ask for e-mail replies. Newsgroups often have a sense of community, and it is expected that if you ask for help, you will also read the newsgroup and contribute. Some participants in newsgroups feel so strongly about this, that they WILL NOT answer via e-mail, supposedly forcing the inquirer to read the newsgroup for responses. Perhaps a compromise is best. Inquirers could ask that a copy of articles posted to the newsgroup also be e-mailed, knowing that some persons will not comply with this request. Inquirers should post a summary of their e-mail responses to the newsgroup, out of consideration to the readership.

3. Can I ask for help with math homework problems?
A: You can, but most of the participants in k12.ed.math recognize these types of post, and realize that it is better for you to do your own homework than to have someone else do it for you. If you ask for help with your homework, you should indicate what progress you have made on the problem on your own so far, and what possible solutions you have considered. This will help respondents to give you appropriate suggestions as to what you should try next, without simply giving the full solution. Specific questions are necessary in order to get a helpful response. "I need help with factoring!" is too general, and does not give anyone an idea of what type of help you need.

4. Can I post a survey request?
A: If it is specifically related to the kindergarten through 12th grade math curriculum, or is part of a math class project or assignment, yes. However, the reply rate to such requests is probably low. The following web site offers free support for surveys: http://www.mathworld-interactive.com

5. Does the moderator edit submissions?
A: Yes and no. By "no", it is meant that when submitting a post you should submit it exaclty as you wish it to appear in the newsgroup. Do not assume that the moderator will "neaten" things up for you, change or edit the subject line or other things. The moderator does not proofread, nor correct spelling or math errors.
By "yes" it is meant that, (1) a sig file is appended to each approved post appearing in k12.ed.math, (2) the moderator may snip white space or unusually long quoted material. In general, however, the moderator would prefer to return such posts to the submitter and have the submitter edit the post and re-submit.

6. Can I post advertisements?
A: Announcements of math workshops, math software, broadcasts, internet activities and websites are especially welcome. All advertisements should be related to the kindergarten through 12th grade math curriculum, and submitted no more than once per month.

7. Will the moderator review my website, book, software, or other math product and post a review to the newsgroup?
A: No. Sorry. I don't have time to do this.

8. Are websites announced in k12.ed.math reviewed and/or approved by the moderator?
A: No. I post the announcements without reviewing the sites. Please visit such websites at your own risk.

9. Do I need to submit posts with a valid e-mail adress? I do not want my e-mail adress posted to the newsgroup in order to avoid SPAM.
A: No. However, is there is any problem with the article, such as its needing editing or other revision, or being rejected for any reason, the moderator will not be able to contact you without a valid e-mail adress.

Last modified by k12.ed.math moderator on Wed. Apr. 23, 2003
Updated email addresses