yril Tintarev* (Sweden), kyril@math.uu.se 

MINOS SE - A New Symbolic Computation Package with Intuitive ("Natural Syntax")
Interface

MINOS SE (Mathematical Interface with Natural Object Syntax - School Edition)
uses the same icon-folder metaphor as modern file system shells to represent
mathematical objects.  The emphasis in the interface moves therefore from a
linear log to a pane populated with metaphorical objects.  Algebraic operations
are performed by click or drag, exploiting the ease of visual memorization in
comparison to memorization of string syntax.  MINOS SE is built upon a modest
symbolic omputations kernel and enjoys an integrated object structure from
forms to icons in panes all the way down to expression trees.  The program
supports most of algebra and calculus curriculum fot high school and the first
year of college.  Testing of MINOS SE in the live classroom instruction in
several high schools in Sweden showed that it takes about 10 minutes for
students to master the program and the use it without looking up a manual.