MS EXCEL and Calculus - What do the others say?

While searching for educational uses of MS EXCEL, I came across many interesting articles and papers.

Here's a sneak peek of what the most interesting ones talk about.

Abbasi and Iqbal did some research on the proportion of mathematics educators at post/under graduate level in Pakistan, who make the mathematics courses more livelier for their students.

Article available at

http://0-www.tandfonline.com.library.hct.ac.ae/doi/pdf/10.1080/00207390902759600

Another one is a presentation by Prof. H Y Far on the uses of MS EXCEL in numerical calculus. This paper focuses more closely on topics similar to ones which I would like to pursue in my class.

Presentation available at

 http://faculty.lonestar.edu/hfar/Numerical%20Calculus%20with%20Excel.pdf

Lastly

Dogan Ibrahim presented a paper on the requirements of engineering and science teaching and how EXCEL can be used in teaching of science subjects.

Text available on

http://ac.els-cdn.com/S1877042809000603/1-s2.0-S1877042809000603-main.pdf?_tid=564ee0f360eeba5b5e4b1ed7594476fb&acdnat=1332335262_c1dc6376d1a084581c341f6d72f419dd

How and why

The course where I intend using technology is the final engineering mathematics for semester students.

The last learning outcome of the course involves numerical techniques which involve solving differential equations and derivatives numerically, amongst other sub learning outcomes.

My biggest reason for using technology is to give the students a taste of something different. Traditionally these topics are covered using pen and paper but with the usage of technology, I am sure the students will find it more interesting.

Secondly, number crunching plays a major part in solving numerical technique questions and there are always chances of hitting the wrong button on the calculator. These kind of mistakes be reduced as EXCEL with do most of the arithmetic operations.

One powerful help that EXCEL provides is prompting for incorrect formulae input which otherwise the students will not be able to find out easily.

Typically I would give a mini test to the students on these topics which would last 45 minutes or so and most of that time is spent by the students on calculators. Using EXCEL will reduce the time consumed in this regard too.

In conclusion, using EXCEL will test the students’ understanding of the concept of these numerical techniques with them not getting penalised for their lack of proficiency with a calculator.    

Learning networks

I can consider myself blessed that I have been a part of a learning network throughout my engineering career. That goes to show that a) Engineers are a helpful lot. And b) that that field is so vast we need help from each other, always.

My informal learning network was actually formed during the student days at UNISA and it has had additions with passing time. It became international as I studied in Europe and even more diversified as I found employment here in Dubai.

The level of contact with this bunch of people is varied and dependent. My colleagues at wotk are always there to help, advice and support. I am still in touch with my chief engineer from my previous employer, an expert in fluid mechanics, both socially and professionally. Other members of the network are contacted professionally as need arises.

The tools used for keeping are the usual social media and email although I love the face to face interaction with the colleagues.

Lastly the importance of these informal groups cannot be denied. You always have someone to lean on or to share your knowledge and experiences.