Linear algebra teaching using mathematics software packages

Abstract

Mathematics software packages using is one of the indicators of professional learning level of university graduates in information computer technologies (ICT). The problems of linear algebra are easy to algorithmize. To increase the efficiency of students' professional competencies formation, it is necessary to talk about algorithms in the form they would be performed by a computer. The ICT use in linear algebra teaching is becoming relevant. The main types of educational software are electronic textbooks, mathematics software packages and monitoring software. Electronic textbooks are used at lectures. There are textbooks with built-in knowledge control tools. Some textbooks contain practical tasks. However, there is no the educational virtual environment for practical tasks performing. Mathematics software packages Mathematica, Maple, MathCAD, Matlab are used at practical classes. Mathematics software packages will automate arithmetic calculations and enable students to focus on the essence of method. Monitoring software diagnoses checks and evaluates the knowledge, abilities and skills of the student. The linear testing algorithm is the simplest. For each student, a test variant is generated in a random order from the task repository. At linear and randomized testing, all participants have test questions of the same complexity. For example, the Google Forms service is widely available; it allows randomizing responses and uploading data in Excel format. The experience of Matlab package using in the linear algebra for students of "Software Engineering" specialty is presented in the article. Practical realization of main topics of linear algebra is developed in this package. The methodical features of the package application in solving the most algorithmic problems of the course are revealed. In particular, problems in the theory of matrices and determinants and systems of linear equations.