SIMIODE

There was no lab this week because my colleague, Patrice Tiffany, and I attended the International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics.  I created videos to replace this class.  At the ICTCM we presented Bring the Differential Class into the 21st Century where we talked about the work we have done since attending the Prep SIMIODE workshop in Helena Montana--work that has been documented in this blog.  We also presented a poster at this same conference.  Each of these presentations was well received. 

We had interesting and animated conversations with all kinds of colleagues eager to create a differential equations class that is different.  The overwhelming word that we heard time and time again was that current DE classes are far too "cookbook."  That is, students are given the differential equation and are expected to "solve" it.  In this environment, they have very little understanding of what a differential equation is.   Of course, "preaching to the choir" was also heard time and time again.  As a community, we need to think about how to change this course so that it is not a collection of methods.  SIMIODE is so helpful in this regard.  It is such a breath of fresh air to meet people who have the same concerns--both at the ICTCM and in SIMIODE.

I will keep you informed.  Please contact me at rosemary.farley@manhattan.edu if you are a student or teacher and I will give you access to a Project area in SIMIODE where you can find materials appropriate to you from my Blog references.