Essential Mathematics to Understand Modern Digital World

This is a Service-learning course.

 

This course equips students with foundational mathematical concepts underpinning modern digital technologies, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge in data representation, internet architecture, encryption, and cloud computing. Using a blended learning approach combining online resources, interactive lectures, and hands-on activities students will develop technical proficiency and pedagogical skills to communicate complex ideas effectively.


First Half: Technical Foundations & Pedagogy
Students will explore core topics including binary/hexadecimal systems, text encoding (ASCII/Unicode), graph theory for internet structures, and symmetric encryption (e.g., Caesar cipher). Concurrently, they will learn teaching strategies to design engaging educational materials. Through collaborative exercises and peer feedback, students will practice simplifying technical concepts for diverse audiences.


Second Half: Service-Learning & Real-World Application
Teams will create and refine interactive lesson plans, culminating in secondary school students' workshops delivered at business environment (e.g., Alibaba's Times Square Tower facility). This industry-setting experience allows students to teach secondary school learners while honing presentation skills. The course concludes with structured reflection, analyzing the societal impact of their service and the intersection of technology, education, and empathy.

 

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