Interactive Linear Algebra

Porter and Hill is the first completely interactive linear algebra course. Developed by the authors and class-tested at Penn, Temple and Duke University, Interactive Linear Algebra runs in Mathcad (Windows environment). The subject is taught in a laboratory setting, with or without additional lectures, and students realize that through this technology-centered approach, mathematics becomes an experimental science. Using the interactive approach, students become active participants in the learning process, which leads to a deeper understanding of the concepts, and at the same time the approach develops confidence in their ability to read, use and write about linear algebra. The electronic text guides students through the standard topics in linear algebra, with a carefully planned series of computer-based discussions, examples, questions, and projects. With its graphics, symbolics, numerics and editing capabilities, Mathcad provides the digital tools needed for developing, visualizing, connecting and applying important concepts.