Hill, David R. and Porter, Gerald J.



Hill: Mathematics Department

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pa. 19122



Porter: Department of Mathematics

University of Pennsylvania

209 S. 33rd St.

hill@math.temple.edu

gjporter@math.upenn.edu



Interactive Linear Algebra in Mathcad



A discovery based learning format is used to teach linear algebra as a 

laboratory course. The platform of Mathcad in the Windows environment is 

used as an interactive tool for students to learn linear algebra. The goal 

of this text is to improve both long range retention of the subject matter 

and problem solving skills.  There are no lectures. Students actively 

participate in the mathematics to develop a concept, connect it to 

preceding ideas, experiment with its properties, and use it with 

applications. This format emphasizes reading, talking (we encourage 

collaborative learning in pairs), writing, and connection of topics. The 

role of the student has changed from passive to active and the role of the 

instructor has changed from direct presenter to consultant on an 

individualized basis. The course content is very much like a traditional 

course, but the order of topics has changed and there is an increased 

emphasis on geometry and applications. 



Our interactive text is in its second year of development and use at both 

Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania. So far we have had 

classes with at most 20 students. There is initially a student adjustment 

period to the discovery based style, the software, and the increased 

responsibility factor. However, student attitudes have been quite positive. 



Various assessment strategies have been employed with little observable 

difference. However, there is a noticeable increase of required 'lab' time 

for students and the instructor's time commitment has increased somewhat 

primarily to provide timely feedback for the learning activities.



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