Abstract. An interactive, visual approach to the introduction and application of group concepts is developed using both interactive simulations and interactive texts created under Maple V R4 for Windows 95.

The pedagogical innovation of this work is the use of game simulations (e.g. variations of Nim, Think-a-Dot, etc.) and device simulation movies (e.g. digital logic machines) in order to engage the learner and provide motivation for the introduction of abstract group concepts. Visualization of these physical situations equips the learner with an accessible representation that can then be used to help create an abstract algebraic model of the game or device operation. In addition, the graphical and symbolic computation facility of Maple is employed to help with the algebraic modeling process through easy construction of game-state networks and easy calculation in (large) game groups. In this talk we will demonstrate an interactive text applying this approach to develop group theoretic topics culminating in the learner's understanding of the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups.