Experiences in using Sage to integrate good study habits and problem solving techniques in engineering mathematics

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss informally some practical experiences and results of getting students to use Sage while studying and solving problems in engineering mathematics within an existing curriculum and with minimum effort on our part. We had no lofty goals. We were simply trying to see if technology now existed for our students to effectively and efficiently check their by-hand solutions to problems in single and multivariable calculus in order to help them pass written exams. With Sage, our students could quickly and freely start by just checking calculations and/or create interactive 3D plots of all types to help them visualize and explore. This did seem to help them with their exams. And we found that encouraging students to use this method of study also helped them to think about the process of problem solving in an environment particularly well adapted for students of engineering. We explain by detailing an example.