Use of IT programs and tools for organizing independent studies in mathematics e-environment

In order to improve mathematics study process at Latvia University of Agriculture (LUA) one of the major challenges is ICT integration in the study process. At the Department of Mathematics of LUA has been created a structural scheme of the mathematics study form modules in which in addition to lectures and practical works, more attention is paid to the IT software integration in the learning process, as well as individual works for independent studies. Mathematics study process has been improved with an e-learning environment Moodle, in which there are placed the study materials (including interactive materials). The aim of the research was to investigate the current situation in Department of Mathematics and to improve the students' independent studies using ICT: 1) the development of practical tasks database in e-environment according to mathematical topics and types of solutions; 2) the exploration of Random Assignment Generator options and their adjustment for individual works assignment in mathematics in e-courses; 3) the creation of the solution examples with MathCad (for bachelor level) in mathematics and their accessibility in e-environment. Results of student survey shows that the use of MathCad for solution verification in computer classes and solutions' examples placed in e-environment, allows students to learn mathematics software independently, but for teachers reduce the time for checking students' individual works.