Teaching numerical methods with IPython notebooks and inquiry-based learning
David I. Ketcheson
Abstract
A course in numerical methods should teach both the mathematical theory
of numerical analysis and the craft of implementing numerical algorithms.
The IPython notebook provides a single medium in which mathematics,
explanations, executable code, and visualizations can be combined, and
with which the student can interact in order to learn both the theory and the
craft of numerical methods. The use of notebooks also lends itself naturally
to inquiry-based learning methods.
I discuss the motivation and practice of teaching a course based on the use of
IPython notebooks and inquiry-based learning, including some specific practical aspects.
The discussion is based on my experience teaching a Masters-level course
in numerical analysis at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), but is intended to be useful for those
who teach at other levels or in industry.
IPython, IPython notebook, teaching, numerical methods, inquiry-based learning
DOI10.25080/Majora-14bd3278-004